Ivan Repušić, the conductor, is the chief conductor of the Münchner Rundfunkorchester (Munich Radio Orchestra) since the 2017/2018 season and received a major Croatian cultural award in 2020.
Performer Biography
Stanko Madić, the violinist on this recording, was accepted into the music academy in Belgrade at age 14 and graduated as the best in his year in 2002.
Historical Context
Vasks' homeland, Latvia, was under Soviet control, where the Latvian language was banned and over 100,000 Latvians were deported after 1945.
Cultural Impact
Pēteris Vasks' expressive and direct music became a voice for the long-suppressed Latvian people during the 'singing revolution,' contributing to the nation's independence from Soviet rule.
Composer Biography
Pēteris Vasks, a Latvian composer, grew up under Soviet control, where his father, a Baptist pastor, was deemed an 'enemy of the state,' leading to Vasks being initially banned from studying music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Pēteris Vasks believes music is born from pain and sings praises of faith and love, aiming to nourish the soul and address the loss of spiritual dimension in modern society.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Munich in June 2020, adhering to COVID-19 safety measures, including proper spacing, glass partitions, and separate microphones for musicians.
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