Savęsp (2018)
Duration:
10’14”
Instrumentation:
Accordion and String Quartet
Programme Note
“Savęs” is an old Lithuanian word that is no longer used in modern language, meaning “into myself.” This piece is a journey into the inner worlds, exploring the most intimate, quiet, and “forbidden” thoughts. It was commissioned by Martynas Levickis to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lithuanian independence. The piece reflects the tragic journey that our nation has survived over the past 100 years. Lithuania was geographically on the front line of World War I and II, occupied, abused, and mistreated, with people sent to concentration camps in Siberia and persecuted by KGB agents during the Soviet Union era. However, the country has finally recovered and embraced its independence. Lithuania’s beautiful old language, untouched wild nature, forests, ancient songs, and the enthusiastic, smart, and joyful new generation of Lithuanians, who were born free, all contribute to this flourishing.
The commission was funded by the Lithuanian Culture Council.