words with letters lost (violin concerto, 2023/24) by Jānis Petraškevičs published on 2025-01-31T11:52:19Z Magdalēna Geka – solo violin Sinfonietta Riga Normunds Šnē – conductor Live 24.01.25., Rīga (premiere) Recorded by Latvian Radio “The one-movement violin concerto can be compared to a journey through two spaces. In each of them, the solo violin leads the way with an extended solo episode or cadence like a scout. The two spaces are not opposites, but rather complement each other – the first is a guess, and the second – an assertion. Echoes of Franz Schubert’s song “Der Leiermann” (from the cycle “Winterreise”) run through the piece throughout – here and there both the characteristic melodic intonations and the accompaniment’s empty fifth – traces of Schubert’s composition, which musically symbolizes loneliness and solitude. The overall atmosphere is melancholic (the score often features the term dolente), which is highlighted by the English horn line. The solo part of the piece was composed with Magdalēna Geka’s playing qualities in mind – her bright temperament, emotionality and rich timbral palette.” Jānis Petraškevičs Genre Violin Concerto
