OSVALDAS BALAKAUSKAS

Since the mid-1960s, Osvaldas Balakauskas has been one of the most celebrated Lithuanian composers. As a symbol of Western modernity, especially after the restoration of Lithuania’s independence in 1990, he became the most important authority of the new style. The composer’s musical language is vividly modern; dodecaphony and other serial techniques are the basis of his compositional technique. His music displays various stylistic trends: impressionism, neoclassicism and elements of jazz. “Osvaldas Balakauskas, one of the most intelligent Lithuanian composers, who has tried his hand in many innovative compositional techniques and means of expression, represents the modernism of Lithuanian music”, said conductor Adrija Čepaitė. The list of his most important works includes the Concerto for Oboe, Harpsichord and Strings (1981). The three-movement composition enchants with the harmonious combination of sonorities. It is one of Balakauskas’ most beautiful and popular opuses. In terms of the form, interrelation between the soloist and the orchestra, and the type of texture it compares to the works by Italian baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi. However, the composer remains faithful to his rhythmic and diatonic (in this case, nine-tone) system, and the harmony imbues the music with subtle impressionist colour.

Balakauskas’ characteristic opus is performed by soloists Robertas Beinaris (oboe), Vaiva Eidukaitytė-Storastienė (harpsichord) and the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra. Conductor Adrija Čepaitė.