The Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks is probably not such a well-known representative of contemporary classical music. This is a shame, because his Concerto No. 2 for Violin and String Orchestra “In Evening Light”, for example, is a wonderful counterpart to the frequent search for barely tolerable atonality. It has now been recorded by violinist Antje Haas together with the Camerata Bern chamber orchestra.

Weithaas is one of the most renowned violinists in Germany, but - if anything - primus inter pares in this constellation, as the Camerata Bern is a group of 15 soloists who perform without a conductor and standing up. The ensemble has already won several awards for its playing, as has Weithaas for his playing and Vasks for his compositions. This clearly raises expectations of the recently released recording.

The now 78-year-old Pēteris Vasks wrote his Vasks: Concerto No. 2 for Violin and String Orchestra “In Evening Light” in 2020 as a commissioned work for violin and string orchestra. According to the accompanying text, “the subliminal feeling of serenity in this violin concerto has its origins in a reflection on nature. Birdsong in particular, combined with religious faith - he grew up as the son of a pastor - inspired Vasks to compose the concerto”. In addition, the work reflects the composer's genuine chaotic experiences during his childhood in a small Latvian town, which was characterized by fear, censorship and a sense of hopelessness, as it was located, as Vasks once called it, in the “Soviet Union prison of nations”.

While the influence of Vogelsang does not exactly come to the fore when listening to the work, the basic theme of anxiety is quite different. The five movements are pervaded by a gentle melancholy, which in some places conveys a similar feeling to the 3rd Symphony by Polish composer Henryk Górecki. Górecki belonged to the Polish avant-garde, which Vasks held in high esteem.

Choosing Vasks' Concerto for the album is indeed a good decision. And the same applies to the extremely finely balanced recording. It moves the ensemble slightly into the background of the stage, which has the advantage that the emphasized and highlighted moments are actually in front of the listener. At the same time, the sensitive passages are particularly delicate, which also enhances the listening pleasure.

The recording is also very successful in terms of sound. Solid bass and cello passages form the basis for the dynamic playing of the violas and violins without biting the ears in the highest passages. This makes listening through headphones particularly enjoyable.

With Vasks: Concerto No. 2 for Violin and String Orchestra “In Evening Light”, the Camerata Bern and Antje Weithaas have succeeded in creating a really beautiful album that is a joy to listen to. It's nice that something like this exists. (Thomas Semmler, HighResMac)

Camerata Bern
Antje Weithaas, violin, direction