Review by Sebastian Borin – In the Evening Light

Cuteness is a questionable quality for a contemporary piece of music, because it almost automatically falls under suspicion of pandering in the new music scene. Latvian Pēteris Vasks probably doesn't care about such labels because, unlike many of his avant-garde colleagues, his music is played and loved. This CD also explains why, which, in addition to Vasque's meditation “Lonely Angel,” also contains the first recording of the Second Violin Concerto “In Evening Light.” At times, the emotional directness of the work is reminiscent of film music, but in the central second movement Vasques proves also capable of dramatic intensification and harsher sound. Swiss violinist Sebastian Bohren plays this song with great intensity. One can only puzzle over the role of Schubert's magnificent Rondeau D 895 within this dramatic programme.

In the evening light
Violins: Violin Concerto No. 2 and The Lonely Angel, Schubert/Alternations: Rondo Brilliant B Minor D 895

Sebastian Buren (violin), Munich Chamber Orchestra, Sergei Bolkhovets (conductor)
Avi records