Perhaps, internationally, the two best known composers from the Baltic countries are Estonian Arvo Pärt and Latvian Pēteris Vasks. Each has an individual, unique style, influenced and inspired by religion and spirituality, and both endured artistic restriction during the Soviet occupation of their respective homelands. Stylistically, however, Pärt is more of a minimalist, with his own original tintinnabuli (little bells) style, while Vasks can be more dramatic and emotional. The works of both composers have moved and touched listeners throughout the world. Also, each has recently celebrated a major anniversary – Pärt celebrated his 90^th birthday in 2025 and Vasks his 80^th in 2026.

To celebrate these anniversaries, as well as their contributions to Baltic music, distinguished Latvian organist Iveta Apkalna released an album of solo organ works by the two composers. Entitled simply Pärt & Vasks, the album was released in 2026 by the Berlin Classics label.

Apkalna has established herself as one of the premiere organists internationally and has performed with many European orchestras and won many awards, among them, according to her website, was that “in 2005 she became the first organist ever to receive an ECHO Klassik as “Instrumentalist of the Year””.

The album is bookended by two longer form works by Vasks. The first is ‘Te Deum’, a powerful and tonally rich composition. Here Vasks’ sacred elements shine through, with this musical work of praise reaching spiritual and emotional peaks, with moments of somber reflection. Apkalna provides an enrapturing performance of this work, skillfully revealing the many nuances and layers in this majestic work.

The album concludes with Vasks’ expansive ‘Viatore’ (‘Passenger’), a work originally for string orchestra but later arranged for solo organ. According the Schott music publisher’s website, the work is ‘the story of a wanderer who arrives in this world, grows up in it, develops, falls in love, fills himself up and then departs’, and, appropriately for this album, is dedicated to Arvo Pärt. Gentle and reflective at its beginning, then building to a emotionally deep climax, Apkalna’s performance provides a vivid illustration for this engaging story.

In contrast with the often dramatic and even stormy works by Vasks, Pärt’s compositions are much more subdued, even austere at times. ‘Pari intervallo’, somber and melancholic, barely rises above a whisper in the sound of the organ, but is still an emotionally rich work, and Apkalna provides the needed restraint and gentle touch to let this quiet, yet spiritually resonant composition to softly unfold and bloom.

Pärt’s compositions have a calming, serene atmosphere to them, such as in the tender ‘Spiegel im Spiegel’, one of the composers best known works. Though the melody is deceptively simple, Apkalna provides a moving interpretation of this beautifully meditative work.

Arvo Pärt and Pēteris Vasks, through their decades of composing some of the most memorable and beautiful music to come from the Baltics, have immeasurably raised the profile of Estonia and Latvia throughout the world. With a deep reverence for the musical contributions of both, as well as with dynamic and rich performances, organist Iveta Apkalna has recorded a fitting tribute to both composers.

For further information, please visit Iveta Apkalna’s website as well as the Berlin Classics website.

Pärt & Vasks

Iveta Apkalna, organ

Berlin Classics, 2026

Track listing:

1. Te Deum – Pēteris Vasks
2. Pari Intervallo – Arvo Pärt
3. Spiegel im Spiegel – Arvo Pärt
4. Annum per Annum – Arvo Pärt
5. Trivium – Arvo Pärt
6. Viatore – Pēteris Vasks