Eric Ešenvald: New Saxophone Album ‘Gratitude / Diena’ Released

Saxophone Concerto ‘Arctic Visions. Sea’ Celebrates a Decade of collaboration Between Petrauskis and Ešenvalds

A new album, “Gratitude,” featuring saxophonist Oskars Petrauskis and the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, showcases a recently recorded saxophone concerto by composer Erik Ešenvald, marking the culmination of over ten years of artistic partnership. The concerto, titled “Arctic Visions.Sea,” premiered at the 28th Liepāja International Festival of Stars, performed by the Liepāja symphony Orchestra under the direction of British conductor Douglas Bostock, with Gintars Rinkevičus leading the orchestra for that initial performance.

Did you know?-Erik Ešenvalds’s “Arctic Visions. Sea” is the third work in a trilogy inspired by the Arctic, following his clarinet concerto and multimedia symphony.

A Trilogy Inspired by the Arctic

This saxophone concerto represents the third installment in Ešenvald’s ambitious trilogy, exploring the complex interplay between northern landscapes, folklore, and the human condition. The composer’s inspiration stems from a personal expedition to the Arctic region, a journey that ignited the creative spark for all works within the cycle. This includes the clarinet concerto “Arctic Night Visions” (2012) and the multimedia symphony “Northern Lights” (2015) for choir and symphony orchestra – both of which also saw their world premieres performed by the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra.

Pro tip:-Petrauskis prioritizes quality over quantity in his recordings, focusing on delivering impactful and carefully crafted performances.

Expanding the Saxophone Repertoire

Ešenvald’s compositions have appeared on over 50 albums throughout his career, including nine self-titled releases.Petrauskis’s own album,”Gratitude,” is specifically dedicated to Ešenvald’s works for saxophone,further solidifying their collaborative bond.The partnership has resulted in a important expansion of the repertoire available to saxophonists,encompassing not only concertos but also pieces featuring organ and voice.

Reader question:-Ešenvalds describes Petrauskis as a performer who not only executes the music but actively contributes to the storytelling through his interpretation.

Evocative Soundscapes and Artistic vision

Ešenvald’s musical style is characterized by its Nordic light, mythological stories, flowing melodiousness, and rich harmonic fields.His compositions are designed with both structural clarity and a sense of expansive space,aiming to transport listeners beyond the ordinary – from the tangible to the infinite,the everyday to the transcendental.

According to Ešenvald, Petrauskis brings a unique artistic sensibility to his performances. “Oskar comes with his own cosmos and clear musical vision – every phrase is deliberately created for him, with precise intensity and mood,” he stated. “He is an outstanding professional with amazing improvisation skills – not only performing, but also creating a story. I tell my idea, and he listens to it with respect, adding his presence and interpretation.” In an interview with Latvijas Radio 3, Ešenvald further elaborated, describing Petrauskis’s ability to “paint very vividly, emotionally, peculiarly,” adding that his artistic colors and articulation are truly captivating.

Petrauskis himself expressed a dedication to quality over quantity in his work, stating that he aims to deliver something “very qualitative, not quantitative,” in contrast to the current trend of frequent album releases.

“Gratitude” Now Available

“Gratitude” is currently available on all major digital streaming and download platforms, offe