Balys Dvarionas
Encyclopedia
Balys Dvarionas, in Liepāja
— 23 August 1972 in Vilnius
) was a Lithuania
n and Soviet
composer, pianist, conductor and educationalist. Dvarionas displayed himself as a composer after World War II. His works are abundant with romanticism, and the pieces are based on folk songs.
, the famous Latvian composer. After completing the middle school of commerce, Dvarionas worked as an organist and a conductor of Youth Choir of Lithuanian Society in Liepāja
. In 1920, Dvarionas went to Leipzig
, where he studied piano under Robert Teichmüller
at the Conservatory and attended special music theory and composition courses held by Stephan Krohl and Sigfried Karg - Elert. After graduating from the Conservatory in 1924, Dvarionas came back to Kaunas
, Lithuania
where he performed his first recital
, and afterwards spent two years studying piano in Berlin under Egon Petri
, a famous German pianist.
Balys Dvarionas was a synthesis of talents in piano, teaching, conducting and composing. They bloomed almost all at once and B.Dvarionas soon became one of the most famous personalities in Lithuanian music. From 1924 on he performed throughout Lithuania, and in 1928 he began to perform abroad. In 1926 he began teaching at the Kaunas
Music School (since 1933 — Lithuanian Conservatory) and in 1949 he started working at the Music Academy
in Vilnius
, where he continued teaching until the end of his life. Dvarionas was awarded a professor's title in 1947. Over 50 pianists graduated Prof. B.Dvarionas’ class. Dvarionas's pupils: conductor Rimas Geniušas, pianists Liucija Drąsutienė, Aleksandras Jurgelionis, Gražina Ručytė-Landsbergienė, Halina Znaidzilauskaitė.
In 1930s, Dvarionas emerged as a conductor as well. He attended conductors' courses in Salzburg
and in 1939 he passed his examinations as an external student at the Conservatory in Leipzig
. From 1935 until 1938 Dvarionas was a conductor of Kaunas Radiophone Orchestra. In 1939 he established the Vilnius City Orchestra together with the well-known Lithuanian architect Vytautas Landsbergis-Žemkalnis, and worked as a conductor there until the Lithuanian Philharmonic Orchestra
was established, where he occupied a position of a head conductor in 1940–1941 and 1958–1964.
The last time B.Dvarionas appeared on stage, May 12, 1972 with the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra at the Philharmonic Hall, he played Mozart’s Concerto and conducted Schubert’s Mass. He was tormented by a harsh illness and died on August 23, 1972. Balys Dvarionas is buried at the cemetery in Palanga
, a seaside resort town
in western Lithuania
, where B.Dvarionas loved to spend summers and composed many pieces at his cottage
(address: Birutės al.6).
, was vested in composing music for the Anthem of Lithuanian SSR
.
Dvarionas's musical works are distinctive for their melody, emotionality, familiar motives from folk tunes. In spite of developing the musical images, the composer prefers exposition and juxtaposition of various musical ideas. The music by Dvarionas seems extemporaneous but natural, flexible in rhythmics, and makes an impression of clear and colourful mood.
The composer commented his style like this in 1971: "My aesthetic ideals were formed under the influence of 19th century romanticism, and I believe in the musician's vocational call to spread beauty, good, harmony, to educate people and to raise them above the routine. I believe that people who say this type of view is behind the times are wrong. The ideals of human good have remained unchanged over many thousands of years: love, truth, freedom and friendship. To serve them is not a step backwards".
Most notable works by Balys Dvarionas:
Liepaja
Liepāja ; ), is a republican city in western Latvia, located on the Baltic Sea directly at 21°E. It is the largest city in the Kurzeme Region of Latvia, the third largest city in Latvia after Riga and Daugavpils and an important ice-free port...
— 23 August 1972 in Vilnius
Vilnius
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and its largest city, with a population of 560,190 as of 2010. It is the seat of the Vilnius city municipality and of the Vilnius district municipality. It is also the capital of Vilnius County...
) was a Lithuania
Lithuania
Lithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
n and Soviet
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
composer, pianist, conductor and educationalist. Dvarionas displayed himself as a composer after World War II. His works are abundant with romanticism, and the pieces are based on folk songs.
Biography
Balys Dvarionas was born in a big family of an organist. Along with his ten sisters and brothers, Dvarionas was taught music from his very childhood. Later Dvarionas had private lessons from Alfrēds KalniņšAlfrēds Kalniņš
Alfrēds Bruno Jānis Kalniņš was a Latvian composer, organist, pedagogue, music critic and conductor; the founder of national Latvian opera. Kalniņš is primarily remembered for his national opera Baņuta .- Course of life :Kalniņš took piano and violin lessons at an early age...
, the famous Latvian composer. After completing the middle school of commerce, Dvarionas worked as an organist and a conductor of Youth Choir of Lithuanian Society in Liepāja
Liepaja
Liepāja ; ), is a republican city in western Latvia, located on the Baltic Sea directly at 21°E. It is the largest city in the Kurzeme Region of Latvia, the third largest city in Latvia after Riga and Daugavpils and an important ice-free port...
. In 1920, Dvarionas went to Leipzig
Leipzig
Leipzig Leipzig has always been a trade city, situated during the time of the Holy Roman Empire at the intersection of the Via Regia and Via Imperii, two important trade routes. At one time, Leipzig was one of the major European centres of learning and culture in fields such as music and publishing...
, where he studied piano under Robert Teichmüller
Robert Teichmüller
Robert Teichmüller was a German concert pianist and music educator.He studied piano and music theory with Carl Reinecke at the Leipzig Conservatory where he later became a faculty member in 1897, promoted to professor in 1908. He became one of the most influential piano teachers of his time...
at the Conservatory and attended special music theory and composition courses held by Stephan Krohl and Sigfried Karg - Elert. After graduating from the Conservatory in 1924, Dvarionas came back to Kaunas
Kaunas
Kaunas is the second-largest city in Lithuania and has historically been a leading centre of Lithuanian economic, academic, and cultural life. Kaunas was the biggest city and the center of a powiat in Trakai Voivodeship of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania since 1413. During Russian Empire occupation...
, Lithuania
Lithuania
Lithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
where he performed his first recital
Recital
A recital is a musical performance. It can highlight a single performer, sometimes accompanied by piano, or a performance of the works of a single composer.The invention of the solo piano recital has been attributed to Franz Liszt....
, and afterwards spent two years studying piano in Berlin under Egon Petri
Egon Petri
Egon Petri was a classical pianist.-Biography:Petri's family was Dutch and he was born a Dutch citizen, but he was born in Hanover in Germany and was brought up in Dresden. His father was a professional violinist who taught his son that instrument. Petri played in the Dresden Court Orchestra and...
, a famous German pianist.
Balys Dvarionas was a synthesis of talents in piano, teaching, conducting and composing. They bloomed almost all at once and B.Dvarionas soon became one of the most famous personalities in Lithuanian music. From 1924 on he performed throughout Lithuania, and in 1928 he began to perform abroad. In 1926 he began teaching at the Kaunas
Kaunas
Kaunas is the second-largest city in Lithuania and has historically been a leading centre of Lithuanian economic, academic, and cultural life. Kaunas was the biggest city and the center of a powiat in Trakai Voivodeship of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania since 1413. During Russian Empire occupation...
Music School (since 1933 — Lithuanian Conservatory) and in 1949 he started working at the Music Academy
Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre
The Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre in Vilnius, Lithuania, is a state-supported conservatory that trains students in music, theatre, and multimedia arts.-History:...
in Vilnius
Vilnius
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and its largest city, with a population of 560,190 as of 2010. It is the seat of the Vilnius city municipality and of the Vilnius district municipality. It is also the capital of Vilnius County...
, where he continued teaching until the end of his life. Dvarionas was awarded a professor's title in 1947. Over 50 pianists graduated Prof. B.Dvarionas’ class. Dvarionas's pupils: conductor Rimas Geniušas, pianists Liucija Drąsutienė, Aleksandras Jurgelionis, Gražina Ručytė-Landsbergienė, Halina Znaidzilauskaitė.
In 1930s, Dvarionas emerged as a conductor as well. He attended conductors' courses in Salzburg
Salzburg
-Population development:In 1935, the population significantly increased when Salzburg absorbed adjacent municipalities. After World War II, numerous refugees found a new home in the city. New residential space was created for American soldiers of the postwar Occupation, and could be used for...
and in 1939 he passed his examinations as an external student at the Conservatory in Leipzig
Leipzig
Leipzig Leipzig has always been a trade city, situated during the time of the Holy Roman Empire at the intersection of the Via Regia and Via Imperii, two important trade routes. At one time, Leipzig was one of the major European centres of learning and culture in fields such as music and publishing...
. From 1935 until 1938 Dvarionas was a conductor of Kaunas Radiophone Orchestra. In 1939 he established the Vilnius City Orchestra together with the well-known Lithuanian architect Vytautas Landsbergis-Žemkalnis, and worked as a conductor there until the Lithuanian Philharmonic Orchestra
Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra
The Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra or LNSO is one of Lithuania's two national orchestras, and was founded in 1940.The younger Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1988....
was established, where he occupied a position of a head conductor in 1940–1941 and 1958–1964.
The last time B.Dvarionas appeared on stage, May 12, 1972 with the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra at the Philharmonic Hall, he played Mozart’s Concerto and conducted Schubert’s Mass. He was tormented by a harsh illness and died on August 23, 1972. Balys Dvarionas is buried at the cemetery in Palanga
Palanga
Palanga and beautiful sand dunes. Officially Palanga has the status of a city municipality and includes Šventoji, Nemirseta, Būtingė and other settlements, which are considered as part of the city of Palanga.-Legend:...
, a seaside resort town
Resort town
A resort town, sometimes called a resort city or resort destination, is a town or area where tourism or vacationing is a primary component of the local culture and economy...
in western Lithuania
Lithuania
Lithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
, where B.Dvarionas loved to spend summers and composed many pieces at his cottage
Cottage
__toc__In modern usage, a cottage is usually a modest, often cozy dwelling, typically in a rural or semi-rural location. However there are cottage-style dwellings in cities, and in places such as Canada the term exists with no connotations of size at all...
(address: Birutės al.6).
Works
Dvarionas composed miscellaneous works ranging from opera, ballet, symphony to music for films and theatres. Balys Dvarionas, together with another famous Lithuanian composer Jonas ŠvedasJonas Švedas
Jonas Švedas was a Lithuanian and Soviet composer. He was the People's Artist of the USSR in 1954.-References:...
, was vested in composing music for the Anthem of Lithuanian SSR
Anthem of Lithuanian SSR
The State Anthem of the Lithuanian SSR was the national anthem of Lithuania when it was a republic of the Soviet Union and known as the Lithuanian SSR.-Background:...
.
Dvarionas's musical works are distinctive for their melody, emotionality, familiar motives from folk tunes. In spite of developing the musical images, the composer prefers exposition and juxtaposition of various musical ideas. The music by Dvarionas seems extemporaneous but natural, flexible in rhythmics, and makes an impression of clear and colourful mood.
The composer commented his style like this in 1971: "My aesthetic ideals were formed under the influence of 19th century romanticism, and I believe in the musician's vocational call to spread beauty, good, harmony, to educate people and to raise them above the routine. I believe that people who say this type of view is behind the times are wrong. The ideals of human good have remained unchanged over many thousands of years: love, truth, freedom and friendship. To serve them is not a step backwards".
Most notable works by Balys Dvarionas:
- Ballet Matchmaking (Piršlybos), (presented 1933).
- Variations for bassoon and orchestra, 1946.
- Symphony in E minor I Bow To Native Land (Lenkiuos gimtajai žemei), 1947.
- Concerto for violin and orchestra, 1948.
- Opera Dalia, 1957 (presented 1959).
- 2 Concertos for piano and orchestra, 1960 and 1962.
- Concerto for French horn and orchestraOrchestraAn orchestra is a sizable instrumental ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The term orchestra derives from the Greek ορχήστρα, the name for the area in front of an ancient Greek stage reserved for the Greek chorus...
, 1963. - Various pianoPianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
pieces: "24 pieces in all tonalityTonalityTonality is a system of music in which specific hierarchical pitch relationships are based on a key "center", or tonic. The term tonalité originated with Alexandre-Étienne Choron and was borrowed by François-Joseph Fétis in 1840...
", "Winter Sketches", "Little SuiteSuiteIn music, a suite is an ordered set of instrumental or orchestral pieces normally performed in a concert setting rather than as accompaniment; they may be extracts from an opera, ballet , or incidental music to a play or film , or they may be entirely original movements .In the...
", etc. - Various violinViolinThe violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
pieces - Songs for soloSolo (music)In music, a solo is a piece or a section of a piece played or sung by a single performer...
voiceVoiceVoice may refer to:* Human voice* Voice control or voice activation* Writer's voice* Voice acting* Voice vote* Voice message-In film:* Voice , a 2005 South Korean film* The Voice , a 2010 Turkish horror film directed by Ümit Ünal...
and accompanimentAccompanimentIn music, accompaniment is the art of playing along with an instrumental or vocal soloist or ensemble, often known as the lead, in a supporting manner...
, choirChoirA choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
External links
- Biographical information
Mosaic to Balys Dvarionas (1904-1972): Pianist, Composer, Conductor
- Some music by Balys Dvarionas
Balys Dvarionas. Composer, Pianist, Conductor
- Competition for Young Pianists and Violinists
International Balys Dvarionas Competition