ANATOLIJUS ŠENDEROVAS

The music of Anatolijus Šenderovas, one of the most famous contemporary Lithuanian composers, recipient of the Lithuanian National Culture and Art Prize, stands out for its idiosyncratic compositional style, open emotionality, melodiousness, and moderately used the most radical modern means. With his unfeigned work, the composer was able to reach the heart of every listener. String quartet No. 3 (2015) is one of Šenderovas most subtle chamber works. Composed on the initiative of violinist Ingrida Rupaitė-Petrikienė, the opus was dedicated to the Art Vio String Quartet. According to the composer, “it is a kind of five-movement symphony for four complying with the traditional quartet canon, reflecting the beauty and fragility of life.” Performed without interruption the five movements are saturated with longing, in particular, sensitive are its lyrical episodes. These are contrasted by rich and energetic outbreaks, and the phonogram with the cry of an infant heard before the finale (fifth movement) lends the work an even deeper emotional impact.