Jautrīte Putniņa Piano Recital "Old vs. New"

On Monday evening, 30 March, we went to the New Riga Theatre to attend a concert by the celebrated piano virtuoso Jautrīte Putniņa. I must admit I am not an active follower of academic, classical music concerts. So this recital was for me both an unexpected discovery and a certain relief for a mind and soul tired from the daily rush.

In the first half of the recital, J. Putniņa performed compositions by G.F. Handel. I must say, if the belief that music can heal is true, then I genuinely underwent a course of recovery. (I at least believe it.) The musician's mastery is remarkable - her nimble fingers and ability to convey different moods to the audience are extraordinary. Despite her considerable age of 80, the piano virtuoso holds extensive sections of the score in her memory with ease. An enviable memory and virtuosity.

In the second half, Uģis Krišjānis appeared at the piano and Kristaps Pētersons on double bass, performing the latter's original music cycle "Celestial Acoustics." The young composer (b. 1982), with the help of musical sounds, their various nuances, timbres, and text, depicted celestial bodies, constellations, and all twelve zodiac signs. The slightly worn walls of the small theatre hall transformed into a cosmic space in which one could observe different planets, the birth of stars, the Milky Way... All of this transported the listener to a somewhat different reality.