De Baltische Weg

The Baltic Way was a demonstration by the people of the Baltic states that took place in 1989 as a cry for independence from the Soviet Union. This historic event served as the inspiration for this composition. From Vilnius, through Riga, to Tallinn, a six-hundred-kilometer-long chain of an estimated two million people was formed. On August 23, 1989, all those people joined hands, and The Baltic Way became the longest human chain ever. It proved to be the ultimate prelude to the much-desired independence. The introduction of the first movement, 'Struggle for Independence', is based on a nocturne for piano by the prominent Lithuanian composer and painter Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875-1911). The thematic material of this nocturne is woven throughout the entire composition. After the melancholic beginning, a powerful theme follows, depicting the fighting spirit of the Baltic people. The sudden aggressive dissonant chords and a dominant and – rhythmically speaking – obstinate bass drum show that the resistance is not easy. For a moment, the beginning of the Soviet Union's national anthem is heard in the low brass, but it is inexorably pushed into the background by the rest of the band through the Lithuanian national anthem Tautiška giesmė (Lithuania, our homeland). In the second movement, Decades of Suffering, life under the yoke of the Soviet Union is set to music. In the pursuit of independence, plans are made to form a human chain as a peaceful protest against oppression across the roads of the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. This 'Chain of Freedom' is musically represented in the final movement of the work.

Merk	De Haske Publications
Serie	Concert and Contest Collection CBHA
Instrument	Harmony