"Modernism is losing ground as a revolution, as a denial of tradition par excellence. [...] It can be said that I reject the principles and techniques of modernism, as I have already tried them and know how this kind of music functions," asserts composer Osvaldas Balakauskas, the winner of the Lithuanian National Prize, who has been occupying a strong position on the top of modern Lithuanian music since the mid-1960s as one of the most remarkable artists and leading authorities. Balakauskas has made a great influence on several generations of composers: solely by the charm of his music as well as a composition teacher. Balakauskas is one of the most prolific Lithuanian composers; his oeuvre includes five symphonies, more than ten concertos, a chamber opera, a ballet and numerous other, mostly chamber instrumental compositions. He has also distinguished himself as an insightful and accurate music critic and theorist.
