Arvydas Malcys' Impetus

The premiere of a new work for full symphony orchestra, Impetus, by Arvydas Malcys (b. 1957), took place at the Ravenna (Italy) Festival in July 2002. The composition is dedicated to distinguished cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich, who conducted the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra performing the work at the Palazzo Mauro de André. This fact is highly significant, for Arvydas Malcys' commissioned work is only the second Lithuanian opus - after M. K. Čiurlionis' symphonic poem In the Forest (1901) - in his repertoire.

This colourful and striking concert piece is an encyclopaedic example of a contemporary work for full symphonic orchestra - a true orchestral guide.
Mstislav Rostropovich

Following Mstislav Rostropovich's request, the composer wrote a laconic and striking piece, appropriate as a concerto overture with a distinctive Lithuanian flavour, the creation of which incorporated rhythmic and melodic imitations of sutartinės.

Impetus (2001), Arvydas Malcys' fourth opus for symphony orchestra, is an eleven-minute concert piece with an exceptionally strong energy charge for a symphony orchestra with expanded percussion group. According to the author, the work reflects the personality of its famous dedicatee: "Whenever I meet Mstislav Rostropovich, I'm absolutely charmed by his energy, enthusiasm and impetuosity. He is truly the driving force behind every project - always full of exuberance." The successful premiere of Impetus encouraged Mstislav Rostropovich to commission another work. The cellist suggested that the composer write a new, slow and tuneful opus for cello, with no limitations time-wise.

Displaying the capabilities of an orchestra is not a difficult task for Arvydas Malcys, for he has been playing cello with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra for over twenty years. The composer has written eleven orchestral works thus far, with the Trombone Concerto rounding off his current list. Five of them have been recorded on his own compiled CD, released by the Vilnius Recording Studio in 2000 and entitled "Spirit of a Place". The CD includes A Moment in Eternity for string orchestra, which will be performed twice internationally during the remainder of this year: by the St. George Orchestra in Belgrade, Serbia, on May 16, and by the Ljubljana Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra in Ljubljana, Slovenia on October 1.

Lithuanian Music Link No. 6