1 CD
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€ 19.95
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Label Challenge Classics |
UPC 0608917283020 |
Catalogue number CC 72830 |
Release date 24 September 2020 |
"Rowland presents the work in an excellent light. His bow technique is superb. This is remarkably sensitive and sympathetic playing. It is clear he has great empathy for the music."
Fanfare, 01-3-2021This CD offers an overview of four of Peteris’s most iconic works, from the large scale, dramatic Violin Concerto ‘Distant light’, and the magically dreamy meditation ‘Lonely Angel’, to his evocation of Latvian landscape and birdsong ‘Plainscapes’ and the extatic ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’.
Daniel Rowland: The first piece by Peteris Vasks that I heard, about a decade ago, was his magnificent Violin Concerto ‘Distant light’, already a modern classic, and I was blown away by the deep emotional impact of this extraordinary music, that seemed to me both wonderfully mysterious, connected to ancient times, touched by a sublime spirituality and at the same time viscerally exciting and with moments of stunning virtuosity. Last summer, when Peteris accepted my invitation to come to the 15th edition of my Stiftfestival in Holland as Composer in Residence I was truly excited at the chance to work closely with him on several of his pieces. At the festival we performed many of Peteris’ works, solo, chamber and orchestral, with wonderful artists. The week culminated with the concert that you now hold in your hands, in the splendid, deeply atmospheric and acoustically wonderful 15th century Plechelmus Basiliek in Oldenzaal.
Pēteris Vasks: Most people today no longer possess beliefs, love and ideals. The spiritual dimension has been lost. My intention is to provide food for the soul and this is what I preach in my works
Rowland presents the work in an excellent light. His bow technique is superb. This is remarkably sensitive and sympathetic playing. It is clear he has great empathy for the music.
Fanfare, 01-3-2021
Vask's desolate, contemplative soundworld seems all too appropriate for current times. Rowland captures the spirit with aplomb here.
BBC Music Magazine, 21-1-2021
A heartbreaking rendering combining plainchant with mournful Latvian spirituality makes an appropriate ending.
American Record Guide, 01-1-2021
A compelling performance of this special work in which lyricism reigns supreme.
Mania, 11-9-2020
Music that slides into your ears without resistance.
Het Parool, 04-9-2020
Rowland pays a beautiful ode to Vasks
NRC, 03-9-2020
The performances here seem very fine, and the involvement of Vasks himself ensures their authenticity. [...] The recording is warm and glowing; this is a live recording but no applause is included. There are other recordings of all the works here but not in this combination. Warmly recommended.
Musicweb International, 01-9-2020
The performance by Daniel Rowland and the Stift Festival Orchestra is excellent, but it is no match for this Baltic display of force, especially for the contribution of the orchestra. Vasks' lavish orchestration is in better hands with the Baltic musicians and Kremer's scorching tone almost literally sets the work on fire. Although there is certainly much to be said for the particularly beautiful sound that Rowland elicits from his violin and, despite the many rightly spicy accents, his approach to this work that hints more towards nostalgia and longing.
Opus Klassiek, 01-9-2020
Discover Pēteris Vasks on the particularly beautiful CD, “Distant Light”, by the violinist Daniel Rowland
Stretto, 21-8-2020