Credits:

Albrecht Mayer

Description:

Pteris Vasks is one of the leading composers of contemporary Latvia. While his early works were at the cutting edge of the avant-garde, by the end of the 20th century he had shifted to a more accessible style that effectively incorporated elements of Latvian folk songs. His popularity began to grow around that time, and by the 21st century, his music was being performed all over the world.Of the three works included on this album, the Oboe Concerto, featuring the virtuoso Albrecht Mayer as soloist, is particularly noteworthy. This piece was composed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Latvias declaration of independence in 1918, following World War I, as the First Republic (which was temporarily dissolved after being occupied and annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940). The first movement, titled Morning Pastoral, features a striking, dignified oboe melody that rises from the orchestras deli