Bronius Kutavičius’ oratorio The Seasons (2005–8) sets texts from a classic Lithuanian poem by 18th c. pastor-poet Kristijonas Donelaitis describing the peasant’s life of toil. The Seasons mixes musical modernism and folk-inspired primitivism in an astonishingly powerful portrayal of the interaction of human activity and natural forces. Born 1932, Mr. Kutavičius is Lithuania’s senior composer and is regarded as a national treasure. This 2012 live recording documents the first complete performance, given in the composer’s presence, as part of the celebrations marking his 80th birthday.
