Justinas Bašinskas (1923-2003) graduated from the Lithuanian State Conservatory (present Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre) in 1955, where he studied composition with Prof. Julius Juzeliūnas. He taught at the Vilnius Pedagogical University, and since 1969 has committed himself to composing. He was awarded the State Prize (1986) and Stasys Šimkus Prize (1956, 1959, 1962).
Compositions written in the first decades of his creative career exhibit ethnic origin; musical language of these predominantly vocal compositions is traditional. Since 1977, the composer has turned to conceptual, large scale symphonic and chamber works which revealed his interest in synthesis of folk music and modern composition techniques. Vigorous dramatic development, linear thinking, compact structure, rich palette of timbre, suggestive dramatic and emotive gestures, and as often as not programmatic background are characteristic of Justinas Bašinskas' compositions.
Jūratė Vyliūtė
