Into Silence: Pärt Vasks Górecki Pelēcis

Geographically, there are few regions farther from each other than the Baltics and Tasmania, but this recording connects the two with spine-tingling results. Australian pianist Tamara-Anna Cislowska has chosen some of the most evocative music by Górecki (Poland), Pärt (Estonia), Vasks and Pelécis (both from Latvia). All grew up to witness the Soviet Union disintegrate and all have been affected by the landscape of their native countries. Górecki’s “Piano Concerto” is the most muscular piece here, while Pelécis’ “Concertino bianco” is the most haunting. A superbly atmospheric collection, beautifully performed.