The performer, Tuomas Pyrhönen, believes that Pēteris Vasks's music requires faith to fully immerse oneself in performing and listening, and that melancholy is an inseparable part of Vasks's personality and output.
Instruments
The organ of Riga Cathedral is described as a 'living organism' that is challenging for an organist, with a full, rich, yet soft and powerful sound that approaches perfection.
Instruments
The Walcker organ at Riga Cathedral, where this album was recorded, dates from 1883-1884 and has 124 stops, four manuals, two pedalboards, and 6,718 pipes.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded at Riga Cathedral in the presence of the composer, Pēteris Vasks, in the same week his most recent orchestral work, Credo, was premiered.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Pēteris Vasks often gives programmatic titles to his compositions to demonstrate the beauty of God's creation and express concern about ecological disasters and global problems.
Composer Biography
Pēteris Vasks, the composer, began his musical career studying double bass and playing in orchestras before focusing exclusively on composing from the late 1970s.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Pēteris Vasks's music is rooted in Latvian folk music and heritage, but also influenced by international composers like Jean Sibelius, Witold Lutosławski, and Arvo Pärt.
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