Such a composition of wind instruments – clarinet, oboe, flute, horn and bassoon – is not a lot of compositions to approach the closet and choose, says oboist Mārtiņš Zālīte. “We addressed the composer, we came up with an offer. J. Strazds is here – we have a good talented composer. Why not ask him to write something for a slightly more unusual composition, ”notes clarinetist Kārlis Catlaks. The premiere was scheduled a year ago, but due to restrictions, it had to be postponed.
“Stories of White Time” is a very suitable opus for a beautiful conclusion to the concert, for which it is the title piece, adds M. Zālīte: ”
Flutist Reinis Lapa adds that Christmas carols are also played a bit, but as a composer playing with their motifs. The second new work is a piece by R. Dubra with a slightly forward-looking title “Passions of Spring”. Our own composers are of great value, ”emphasizes R. Lapa.
J. Strazds has always liked the feeling of winter waiting, Christmas has been his favorite holiday since childhood.
“I wanted to write light and easy. “White Time Stories” is a cycle of compositions consisting of several episodes with festive energy. There is both lyricism and fun, ”he says.
Since instrumental music usually doesn’t have as much time as they would like, the composer really liked the order of the quintet. “I feel sympathetic that the ensembles formed by the artists of the Liepaja Symphony Orchestra create a chamber music environment in Liepaja. The format of a more intimate mood is very necessary, as well as such a composition is more mobile and can go to its listeners. This is positive in the context of Liepāja as a city of culture, ”emphasizes J. Strazds.
The quintet has had a very productive year. Summer has passed in many concerts in various places. “A flight of thought unfolded, which was no longer connected to a concert hall, a specific room. We played in unusual conditions, but closer to the people, and the concerts were a great adventure for them, ”says R. Lapa.
The White Stories concert will take place on December 18 in the Hika Hall of the Promenade Hotel.
