Theme

There are few violinists who have dedicated themselves to unknown, contemporary music as much as the Let Gidon Kremer. Through the overzealous Kremer, whole generations of music lovers discovered the works of composers such as Arvo Pärt, Sofia Goebaidoelina, Peteris Vasks and Mieczyslaw Weinberg. As a former student of the legendary violinist David Oistrach, Kremer has developed a sense of spirited, contemporary music. He has released over 120 albums for labels such as ECM, Accentus, Teldec and Deutsche Grammophon. Gidon Kremer celebrated his 75th birthday last February. In addition, his chamber ensemble Kremerata Baltica is celebrating its silver jubilee this year. On this Theme, we present some highlights from Kremer’s and Kremerata Baltica’s repertoire, with works by Arvo Pärt, Philip Glass, Peteris Vasks and Mieczyslaw Weinberg.

Playlist:

1. Arvo Pärt: ‘Es sang vor langen Jahren’ (1984), for alto, violin and viola, op Arvo Pärt – Arbos. Susan Bickley (alto), Gidon Kremer (violin) en Vladimir Mendelssohn (viola). ECM Records (New Series) 1325 CD

2. Arvo Pärt: ‘Fratres’ (1977), for violin and piano, op Arvo Pärt – Tabula Rasa. Gidon Kremer (violin) + Keith Jarrett (piano). ECM Records (New Series) 1275 CD

3. Peteris Vasks: ‘Distant Light (Tala Gaisma)’, concerto for violin and string orchestra (1997),  op Peteris Vasks – Distant Light-Voices. Gidon Kremer (violin) and Kremerata Baltica. Teldec 3984-22660-2 CD

4-8. Mieczyslaw Weinberg: ’Sonata no. 1, Opus 82’ in five parts (1964) for violin solo. Gidon Kremer (violin). ECM Records (New Series) 2705 CD

9-16. Philip Glass: ‘Violin Concerto no. 2 (The American Four Seasons)’ in eight parts (2009) for violin and chamber orchestra, op Gidon Kremer – New Seasons. Gidon Kremer (violin) and Kremerata Baltica. Deutsche Grammophon 4794817 CD