Pēteris Vasks is a Latvian composer whose music is profoundly influenced by the scenic beauty and historical complexities of his homeland. Born on April 16, 1946, in Aizpute, Latvia, Vasks grew up in a family with strong musical traditions. His father, a Baptist pastor, imbued in him an early love for music. Vasks initially studied double bass at the Emīls Dārziņš Music School in Riga before continuing his studies at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. His career as a composer began in the 1970s, during which he faced the challenges of expressing himself under the Soviet regime that occupied Latvia at the time.

Vasks' music is characterized by a deep connection to nature, a profound sense of spirituality, and an underlying hope for human freedom and peace. His compositions range across various genres, including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and choral works, often reflecting themes of love, pain, and loneliness against the backdrop of nature's eternal cycle. Recent works, such as "Vientuļais eņģelis" (Lonely Angel), "Vakara gaismā" (In the Light of Evening) for violin and orchestra, and his piano and cello concertos, showcase his signature style, combining rich, lyrical melodies with the traditional and modern instrumental techniques. Vasks has been honored with numerous awards for his contributions to music, including the Herder Prize and the Latvian Grand Music Award, solidifying his legacy as one of the most significant contemporary composers from the Baltics.

Genres

21st Century Classical

Baltic Classical

Contemporary Classical

Minimalism

Related Artists

Arvo Pärt

Valentin Silvestrov

Henryk Górecki

Giya Kancheli

Krzysztof Penderecki

Max Richter

John Tavener

Ólafur Arnalds

Jóhann Jóhannsson

Alfred Schnittke

Nils Frahm

Ola Gjeilo

Latest Release

Vasks: Concerto No. 2 for Violin and String Orchestra "In Evening Light"

Pēteris Vasks•

Antje Weithaas•

Camerata Bern

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released September 27, 2024