<<  -- 3 --  Carson P Cooman    A NEW SIMPLICITY

The language of the work is modal and the choral part writing inspired by organum and plainchant. The orchestral coloring is creative, and gains an unusual touch at points by the inclusion of a synthesizer [listen -- track 1, 0:00-1:17].

This is the third work of Balakauskas that this reviewer has encountered (the previous ones being his Concerto for oboe, harpsichord, and strings of 1981 and Organ Sonata No 3 of 2003), and every work has confirmed the initial impression that he is a composer of tremendous abilities with a great deal to say. This strongly performed Naxos release of his music should serve to introduce his work to a wider national audience outside of his native Lithuania [listen -- track 2, 0:00-1:17].

For help listening to the sound extracts here, please refer to our questions & answers page.