Album

This 2005 disc from Avie features four fascinating pieces by Lithuanian composer Vytautas Barkauskas, whose best-known work in the west is the exuberant, stylistically varied Partita for solo violin, Op. 12 (1967). However, that work, and the dramatic Two Monologues for viola solo, Op. 71 (1983, revised 2004), are perhaps less captivating than the two fantastically colorful orchestral showpieces premiered here, Jeux for violin and orchestra, Op. 117 (2003), passionately performed in concert by violinist Philippe Graffin and the Lithuanian National Orchestra; and the Duo Concertante for violin, viola, and orchestra, Op. 122 (2004), performed with similar ardor before a live audience by Graffin and violist Nobuko Imai with the Vilnius Festival Orchestra; both performances are skillfully conducted by Robertas Servenikas. Even though Barkauskas employs tone rows and other modernist techniques in his music, it seldom sounds harsh or grating, partly because the constant interplay of contrasting timbres softens the dissonances, but also because Barkauskas' long melodies and rich harmonies often assume the shapes and textures of Romantic music, though without seeming reactionary or overtly "neo-Romantic." Despite occasional background noises—unavoidable in these live recordings—Avie's sound quality is terrific, since the orchestra seems utterly natural and every note can be heard clearly.

© Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide

CD 1
Vytautas Barkauskas Composer Jeux for violin & orchestra, Op.117 Work 20:51 Lithuanian Symphony Orchestra Vilnius Orchestra, Philippe Graffin Violin, Robertas Servenikas Conductor
1	Prelude	0:38			$0.99
2	Part 1	6:21			$0.99
3	Interlude 1	0:20			$0.99
4	Part 2	7:58			$0.99
5	Interlude 2	1:08			$0.99
6	Part 3	3:39			$0.99
7	Postlude	0:47			$0.99
Vytautas Barkauskas Composer Partita for Violin Solo Work 5:57 Philippe Graffin Violin
8	1.Praeludium	0:42			$0.99
9	2.Scherzo	1:21			$0.99
10	3.Grave	1:20			$0.99
11	4.Toccata	1:07			$0.99
12	5.Postludium	1:27			$0.99
Vytautas Barkauskas Composer 2 Monologues for Viola Solo, Op.71 Work 10:16 Nobuko Imai Viola, Philippe Graffin Violin
13	No.1	6:07			$0.99
14	No.2	4:09			$0.99
Vytautas Barkauskas Composer Duo Concertante, for violin, viola & orchestra, Op.122 Work 28:29 Vilnius Festival Orchestra Orchestra, Nobuko Imai Viola, Philippe Graffin Violin, Robertas Servenikas Conductor
15	Part 1	4:59			$0.99
16	Part 2	5:26			$0.99
17	Part 3	8:14			$0.99
18	Part 4	5:56			$0.99
19	Part 5	3:54			$0.99