Composer Peter Vask has frequently set the poetry of Knut Skujenieks to music, creating works often associated with Latvian identity. A new song cycle was inspired by Skujenieks’ writings. The performance by a choir in the Great Hall of the university of Latvia showcased both melodism and harmonic depth.

Music critic Armands Znotiņš commented on the performance, saying, It is clear that he wanted something especially personal, deep, and serious. And he succeeded, taking into account the simplicity, harmony, and beauty of Peter Vask’s creative work in the poetry of Knut Skujenieks.

There was no shortage of more piercing dimensions — not only folkloric intonations, but also inner dramatism.

Vasks has said that three elements are needed to create new music: the composer’s ideas, the instrument that transforms notes into sound, and a public performance.

Vasks hopes his work will inspire a better world, stating, To be stronger, we must not disappear and squeak.On the contrary, do what we can better for our country and the people.

I am naive that when I write a song, I give people a brief moment of joy. This is my contribution to the joint way to a better Latvia, a better world!

Conductor Sigvard Klava noted, A new splendid and extremely Latvian composition has been born, which is needed today. It addresses those cravings for a different life than what the headlines tell us every day. It is indeed longing! We cannot seperate this musical phenomenon from the inner feeling.

Alongside the premiere of Vask’s work, the Latvian Radio Choir also performed Max Reger’s sacred music and Francis Poulenc’s challenging choral cantata Figure humaine (Human Face). These pieces complemented Vask’s melodic songs.