Vytautas Bacevičius’s life was defined by exile and migration during the turbulent first half of the 20th century, but his impressive catalogue represents a remarkable creative spirit undimmed by adversity. Composed while studying in Paris, the youthful Piano Concertos nos. 1 and 2 represent Bacevičius’s nostalgia for his native Lithuania in their unselfconscious and spirited use of folk melodies, all of which contribute to their light and celebratory nature. Written not long after his arrival in the United States in 1944, the Third Symphony expresses an early optimism for the composer’s new home in its energetic, positive and confident tone, culminating in a citation of The Stars and Stripes Forever.

The first volume of this edition appeared back in 2015 (8573282) and these two volumes together now complete Bacevičius’s four piano concertos. Critical acclaim for the first volume included from Fanfare: ‘Performances and recording quality are first-rate’.

Christopher Lyndon-Gee’s musicianship has been recognised by the Sydney Critics ‘Best Conductor’ award for his work with the then Australian Opera (now Opera Australia), by five Grammy Award nominations, multiple nominations for other major awards such as Cannes and Echo Klassik, and the Pizzicato Prize in Luxembourg.

Winner of a second prize at the 2005 International Beethoven Piano Competition in Vienna, Austria, Gabrielius Alekna has appeared as a soloist with the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Juilliard Orchestra, and the New Amsterdam (New York), as well as with all major orchestras in his native Lithuania. Daniel Barenboim recently recognised him as ‘a highly gifted pianist and musician’.