Aesthetic games as ends in themselves are far from the mind of the Latvian composer Peteris Vasks. He believes in 'Art for mankind' rather than 'Art for art’s sake'. He sees his music as a language of the soul: “Music is indefinable, it is true, but sounds are able to express spirituality. This cannot be expressed in words...This is why I try to preserve a ray of light in my sounds."

'Sala' was commissioned by the Magnum Opus Project of three orchestras in California. 'Musica appassionata' begins – which is unusual for Vasks – loudly and resolutely. The strings rise to a collective climax, which at the dynamic high point unexpectedly breaks off. All that remains is contemplation and a silent prayer.

The composer wrote in the programme for the premiere of 'Credo' in 2010: “‘Credo’ is crowned by a hymn-like song of praise for the almighty power of love. After a high point, the intensity of the orchestral sound gradually recedes. [...] Slowly the mood becomes more peaceful, and the piece fades away with a radiant melody.”