Vytautas Bacevičius: Piano Music, Volume Three
The Lithuanian pianist and composer Vytautas Bacevičius (1905–70) – exiled to the New World by the outbreak of the Second World War – is one of the undiscovered pioneers of the twentieth century. This third volume of his piano music presents works written between 1926 and 1959 and shows the evolution of his musical language from the post-Skryabin style of the early works, via the influence of Debussy, Prokofiev and Stravinsky, to a highly individual modernism that can occasionally nod to the jazz of his adoptive New York. It is a testament to the strength of Bacevičius’ personality that his musical identity remains consistent even as his manner evolves – his individuality is never in doubt, not least because of his enduring fondness for a playful gesture.
Gabrielius Alekna, piano
Listen To This Recording:
- Poème contemplation (Poème No. 1), Op. 5 (1926) (5:18)
- Poème mystique (Poème No. 2), Op. 6 (1926) (5:26)
- Vision, Op. 30 (1937) (3:26)
Three Moments, Op. 41 (1946)* (11:09)
- No. 1, Hope (3:55)
- No. 2, Elevation (3:02)
- No. 3, Splendour (4:12)
- Poème No. 5, Op. 42 (5:34)
Suite No. 1, Op. 47 (1949) (12:41)
- I. Moderato pathètique (3:11)
- II. Allegro energico (2:31)
- III. Moderato scherzando (quasi Allegretto) (1:58)
- IV. Lento bizzaramente (2:31)
- V. Allegretto leggieramente (quasi Moderato) (2:30)
- Chanson triste, Op. 56 (1954) (5:55)
Suite No. 3, Op. 60 (1956) (9:35)
- I. Allegretto (2:07)
- II. Allegro moderato (1:28)
- III. Lento (4:18)
- IV. Presto (1:42)
- Poème cosmique, Op. 65 (1959) (7:37)
*First Recording
Fanfare :
‘This is clearly a passion project for Lithuanian-American pianist Gabrielius Alekna. He plays the music with great sensitivity and has provided the excellent program notes.’
—Henry Fogel, Fanfare
American Record Guide :
‘Despite neglect and hardship (he was blacklisted as a Communist sympathizer), Bacevicius gives us playfulness and charm, at least with much of the music on this program even as he pushes the boundaries of tonality. […] The celebrated Lithuanian pianist Gabrielius Alekna plays with crisp, incisive authority, offering subtlety and songfulness. As usual, Toccata has excellent sound and scholarly, informative notes.’
—Sullivan, American Record Guide
Ritmo :
‘Editor de varias piezas del disco, el virtuoso pianista lituano Gabrielius Alekna, beneficiado por una nítida grabación, es una de las absolutas referencias a la hora de defender esta demandante música con el color, fraseo y convicción que merece. Muy recomendable.’
English translation:
‘Editor of several pieces on the album, the virtuoso Lithuanian pianist Gabrielius Alekna, benefiting from a crystal-clear recording, is one of the absolute benchmarks when it comes to performing this demanding music with the color, phrasing, and conviction it deserves. Highly recommended.’
—Justino Losada, Ritmo, October 2025