The second release in the 21st Century Classics series dedicated to the music of Osvaldas Balakauskas (b.1937), one of the leaders of the modern school of Lithuanian composition. Balakauskas’ symphonies are among his most important, inventive and refined works, skilfully combining the colours of different orchestral groups, while emphasizing the individuality and sound of solo instruments. Symphony No. 4 includes elements of early and modern music, as well as the syncopated rhythms of jazz. The four movements of Symphony No. 5 are linked by a common musical theme, and are full of colour, energy, and big-band-like outbursts. - `Balakauskas’ Requiem is one of his most readily accessible works, and one that fully repays repeated hearings. In short, a major, deeply moving work by a most distinguished, sincere and honest composer that fully deserves wider exposure. Do not hesitate to give this most welcome release a try.´ MusicWeb on 8557604