JURGIS JUOZAPAITIS

In his works Jurgis Juozapaitis, a recipient of the Lithuanian National Culture and Art Prize, uses various compositional techniques: serialism, aleatorics, minimalism. His compositions showcase vivid spontaneity of melodic lines, natural flow of music, expressiveness, lyricism. Juozapaitis’ Concerto for Viola and String Orchestra Viola vs Violence (2015, premiere at Gaida festival) is, in the composer’s words, a reflection of the modern world. The viola – an instrument, a flower – symbolizes a dying man trying to survive at any cost, wherever he is – in the steppes, sandy deserts or engulfed by the sea. Even though it is a one-movement composition, concentrated synthesis of several movements can be detected. The viola is both presented as an opponent of the orchestra and included in the flow of spontaneous orchestral outbursts. To survive at all costs. Ultimate Survival!

The composition saturated with inner tension is performed by violist Jurgis Juozapaitis together with the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra. Conductor Adrija Čepaitė.