Minimal music from Lithuania.
The Baltic States have their own, very distinct musical culture. Contemporary music movements such as minimalism strongly resonate here as well. Lithuania is one of the most idiosyncratic Baltic states with a clear, minimalist musical language. Inspired by a mix of their own traditional music, a widespread choir culture and folk music rituals, composers do not shy away from using repetitive sounds and static structures. Last year saw the death of Bronius Kutavicius, who was often regarded as the godfather of the Lithuanian minimal music movement. As a tribute to Kutavicius, this broadcast presents some more or less minimalist composers from Lithuania. Featuring classical work by Bronius Kutavicius and Mindaugas Urbaitis, as well as work by younger composers such as Juste Janulyte and Rytis Mazulis.
Playlist:
1. Mindaugas Urbaitis: ‘Lithuanian Folk Music’ (1990), for string orchestra, on Cantabile: Baltic Works for String Orchestra vol. 2. Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra led by Juha Kangas Finlandia 4509-97893-2 CD
2-5. Bronius Kutavicius: ‘Last Pagan Rites’ (1978), for choir, horns and organ, on Bronius Kutavicius – Last Pagan Rites. The Choir of the Vilnius Ciurlionis Art School led by Romas Grazinis + Leopoldas Digrys (organ) Ondine ODE 972-2 CD
6. Rytis Mazulis: ‘Belvedere’, for flutes (2010), on Rytis Mazulis – Musica Falsa. Manuel Zurria (flute) Megadisc Classics MDC 7794 CD
7. Juste Janulyte: ’Psalms’ (2008) for cello solo and pre-recorded cellos. Francesco Dillon (cello). Lithuanian Music Information and Publishing Centre LMIPC 077 CD
8. Rytis Mazulis: Form Is Emptiness. (2006) for choir and cello. Latvian Radio Chamber Singers + Mindaugas Backus (cello). Megadisc Classics MDC 7800 CD
9. Juste Janulyte: ‘Observation of Clouds’ (2012) for choir, double wind quintet and strings. State Chamber Orchestra Sinfonietta Riga + youth choir Chamber led by Normunds Sne. Lithuanian Music Information and Publishing Centre LMIPC 077 CD
