RAMINTA ŠERKŠNYTĖ

De Profundis for string orchestra

Music of composer Raminta Šerkšnytė, a recipient of the Lithuanian National Culture and Art Prize, is characterized by charged expressiveness, picturesqueness and colourfulness. She draws inspiration from a wide range of psychological states and peculiar musical archetypes: from calm, mysterious and nostalgic to dramatic expression and vigorous outbursts. De Profundis (1998) for string orchestra occupies a special place in the composer’s oeuvre. “This dramatic music packed with contrasts conveys a certain worldview of a young person (the work was written as a bachelor’s graduation project) in search for spiritual ideals when life is perceived in a maximalist view with a rapid swapping between euphoria and disappointment. Both in art and in life, one longs for unusual, transcendent experiences and believes in sacredness of art. Hence the title “from the depths”, although the work does not follow the historical tradition of De profundis”, admits the composer. This composition has become Šerkšnytė’s most popular work, enjoying many a performance and international recognition. It is not surprising that maestro Gidon Kremer dubbed De Profundis the hallmark of Baltic music.

De Profundis is performed by the strings of the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by maestro Modestas Pitrėnas.

PUBLISHED:  2020-01-19

ORCHESTRA:  LITHUANIAN NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

CONDUCTOR:  MODESTAS PITRĖNAS