Pēteris Vasks, a Latvian composer, was denied music studies by the state for many years because his father was a Baptist pastor.
Performer Biography
Uladzimir Sinkevich, the cellist on this recording, is the principal cellist of the Münchner Rundfunkorchester since 2011 and has won several international competitions.
Instruments
Although Pēteris Vasks played double-bass for many years, the cello is his favorite instrument, which he considers his 'inner voice'.
Recording & Production
The recordings for this album were made in Munich in October/November 2020, adhering to COVID-19 pandemic safety measures like social distancing and glass partitions.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Pēteris Vasks, the composer, describes himself as a 'sad optimist' and believes his music, despite gloom, should nourish the soul and appreciate nature's beauty.
Composer Biography
Pēteris Vasks, the composer, studied double-bass in Vilnius, Lithuania, and only began his composition studies in Riga at the age of 37.
Cultural Impact
During Soviet rule, when the Latvian language was banned, Pēteris Vasks's music became a voice for the oppressed Latvian people, contributing to the 'Singing Revolution'.
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