PETERIS VASKS (b.1946): Episodi e Canto perpetuo for Piano Trio, Partita for Cello and Piano, Gramata cellam for Solo Cello.

Description: The highly expressive work for solo cello charts a course from aggression and despair in the opening movement to ethereal melodic calm in the second part; a typical progression in Vasks' works. The opening section is dissonant and harsh; the second, incorporating a vocal part which floats over the texture of the piece, embodies the static calm typical of the 'new spirituality'. The relatively early (1974) Partita brings the rhythmic, dancing element inherited from Latvian folk-music to the fore. The influence of Lutoslawski is apparent, and the music is generally more complex than Vasks' more recent music. Episodi appeared in last month's catalogue (08K099). David Geringas (cello), Dmitry Sitkovetsky (violin), Kalle Randalu (piano).