Adolf Skulte

Internet Edition compiled by Onno van Rijen

Updated 18 February 2007

Born

Adolfs Skulte was born 28 October 1909 in Kiev (Ukraine). He died in 20 March 2000 in Riga.

Education

In 1928 Adolfs Skulte enrolled in the Engineering Department at the University of Latvia and in 1930 the composer began study at the Latvian Conservatory. In 1931, his engineering studies at the University were interrupted and in 1936 he graduated the practical composition class of Jazeps Vitols at the Conservatory and also became a member of the faculty.

Style

His music is full of optimism and epical monumentalism and is characterised by a refined impressionism, a lyrical warmth and a maximally balanced musical dramaturgical solutions.

Works

Daina for piano (1932)
Duration: 4 minutes.
Sonata for piano (1934)
Duration: 15 minutes.
"Waves (Vilni)", symphonic poem (1934)
Duration: 15 minutes.
First performance on 29 May 1936 by the Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Janis Medins.

LP Melodiya D 26525-6: Latvian Radio SO, Tons (cond)

String Quartet (1936)
Duration: 34 minutes.
Game (Rotala) for piano (1936)
Duration: 3 minutes.
Lullaby for piano (1936)
Duration: 4 minutes.
"For the Artist (Maksliniekam)" for baritone and piano (1941)
Text by Fallijs (Konrads Bulans).
Duration: 4 minutes.
"Quiet May Evening (Kluss maija vakars)" for voice and piano (1941)
Text by Fallijs (Konrads Bulans).
Duration: 5 minutes.
"The Evening Prayer of a Small Person (Maza cilveka vakara lugsana)" for soprano and piano (1943)
Text by Fricis Barda.
Duration: 5 minutes.
"Aria" for cello and piano (1943)
Duration: 6 minutes.
"Our Cooperative Farm (Musu kolhozs)" for baritone and piano (1948)
Text by Peteris Sils.
Duration: 4 minutes.
"Bloom, Bloom, Wheat Field (Ziedi, ziedi, kviesu druva)" for coloratura soprano and piano (1948)
Text by Peteris Sils.
Duration: 4 minutes.
Arieta (Arietta) for piano (1948)
Duration: 4 minutes.

LP Melodiya C 10-06761-2: (arrangement for violin ensemble and organ) Violin ensemble, Eduards Kunle (cond), Brigita Mieze (organ)

Prelude for piano (1948)
Duration: 5 minutes.
"The Rainbow Built the Bridge (Varaviksne tiltu sleja)", song for mixed chorus (1949)
Text by Peteris Sils.
Duration: 4 minutes.
"Praise to Work (Darbam slava)", song for mixed chorus (1949)
Text by Valdis Lukss.
Duration: 7 minutes.
"Sound Paintings (Skanu gleznas)", symphonic pictures from the music for the Film "Rainis" (1949)
Film director: Julij Raizman; lead roles: Janis Grantins (Rainis) and Milda Kletniece (Aspazija); Riga Film Studio, 1949.
Duration: 25 minutes.
First performance on 15 September 1949 by the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Leonid Vigners.

LP Melodiya D 19957-8: Latvian Radio SO, Leonid Vigners (cond)

"Sakta of Freedom", ballet (1950)
Duration: 190 minutes.
Revised in 1955.
Libretto by Peteris Abolimovs>
Based on Janis Rainis play "I Played, I Danced (Speleju, dancoju).
First performance: May 1950 at the Latvian National Opera by Anna Priede and Janina Pankrate (Lelde), Andris Ozolins (Tots), Juris Grauds (Zemgus) and the Latvian National Opera ballet troop and Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Arvids Jansons; choreographer: Jevgenijs Canga; scenographer: Arturs Lapins.
First performance of the second version of the ballet: 14 October 1955 at the Latvian National Opera by Anna Priede (Lelde), Janina Pankrate (Baronese), Andris Ozolins and Maris Liepa (Tots), Haralds Ritenbergs (Zemgus) and the Latvian National Opera ballet troop and Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Edgars Tons; choreographer: Jevgenijs Canga; scenographer: Edgars Vardaunis.

LP Melodiya D 19957-8: Leningrad Philharmonic SO, Jansons (cond)
LP Melodiya D 23443-4: Leningrad Philharmonic SO, Jansons (cond)
LP Melodiya D 26525-6: (Fragments) Latvian Radio SO, Krikis (cond)

"I Listen Quietly (Klusi klausos)", song for mixed chorus (1951)
Text by Janis Rainis.
Duration: 4 minutes.

LP Melodiya D 7149-50: The Latvian Radio Choir, Teodors Kalnins (cond)

"Riga", cantata for mixed chorus and symphony orchestra (1951)
On text of Laimons Pelmanis.
Duration: 8 minutes. Reduction for piano in 1955.
Symphony No. 1 "About Peace" (1954)
Duration: 40 minutes.
First performance on 17 November 1954 by the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Leonid Vigners.
First performance of the second version of the symphony: 1955 in the P. Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory Great Hall by the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Leonids Vigners.

LP Melodiya: Latvian Radio TV SO, L Vigners (cond)

Sonatina for piano (1956)
Duration: 6 minutes.
Suite to the ballet "The Brooch of Freedom (Brivibas sakta)" (1956)
Duration: 25 minutes.

LP Melodiya D 19957-8: Leningrad Philharmonic SO, Arvids Jansons (cond)
LP Melodiya D 23443-4: Leningrad Philharmonic SO, Arvids Jansons (cond)
LP Melodiya D 26525-6: (Fragments) Latvian Radio SO, Krikis (cond)

"Song of the Spinner (Verpejas dziesma)" for women’s chorus (1957)
Text by Valdis Lukss.
Duration: 5 minutes.
Choreographic Poem (Horeografiska poema) for symphony orchestra (1957)
Duration: 13 minutes.
First performance on 24 April 1957 by the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Leonid Vigners.

LP Melodiya D 26525-6: Latvian Radio SO, Vigners (cond)
LP Melodiya C10 29677 009: Latvian SSR State Symphony Orchestra, Vassily Sinaisky (cond)

Symphony No. 2 "Ave Sol" for soprano, tenor, mixed chorus and orchestra (1959)
On text of Janis Rainis.
Duration: 72 minutes.
First performance on 20 December 1959 in the University of Latvia Great Hall by Elza Zvirgzdina (soprano), Karlis Zarins (tenor) and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and the State Academic Choir Latvija, conducted by Leonid Vigners.

LP Melodiya: Latvian Radio SO, L. Vigners (cond)

"The Magpies (Zagatas)", song for women’s choir (1960)
Text by Peteris Sils.
Duration: 4 minutes.
"The Billy-Goat and the Boy (Azitis un zens)", song for women’s choir and piano (1960)
Text by Peteris Sils.
Duration: 4 minutes.
Novelle for flute and piano (1960)
Duration: 7 minutes.
Ballad for piano (1961)
Duration: 10 minutes.
"Only One Party For Us (Mums viena partija)", cantate for mixed chorus and symphony orchestra (1961)
On text of Arija Elksne.
Duration: 9 minutes.
"Heroes Never Die (Varoni nemirst), song for men’s chorus (1962)
Text by Laimonis Vaczemnieks.
Duration: 6 minutes.
"Story (Stats)" for clarinet and piano (1963)
Duration: 3 minutes.
Symphony No. 3 "Cosmic (Kosmiska)" (1963)
Duration: 29 minutes.
First performance on 23 November 1963 at the Riga Great Guild by the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Leons Reiters.

LP Melodiya D 17089-90: Leningrad PO, Arvid Jansons (cond)
LP Melodiya D 023443-4: Leningrad PO, Arvid Jansons (cond)

"The Forests Rustle (Mezi salc)", ballada for mixed chorus (1964)
On text of Leon Vaczmenieks.
Duration: 7 minutes.

LP Melodiya D 32017-8: The Chamber Choir Ave Sol, Imants Kokars (cond)

Toccatina for violin ensemble (1964)
Duration: 5 minutes.
Four Moods (Cetras noskanas klavierem) for piano (1964)
In C major, F major, G minor, A minor.
Duration: 12 minutes.
Symphony No. 4 "Youth (Jauniba)" (1965)
Duration: 36 minutes.
First performance on 25 April 1965 at the Riga Great Guild by the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Edgar Tons.

LP Melodiya D 23555-6: Latvian Radio SO, Edgar Tons (cond)

"Unknown Soldiers (Nezinamie Karaviri)", poem for men's chorus (1966)
On text of Lija Bridaka.
Duration: 6 minutes.

LP Melodiya C 60-06357-8: The Men’s Choir Dziedonis, Imants Kokars (cond)

"Thunderstorm in Spring", ballet (1967)
Libretto by Marija Garsevica and Andris Ozolins.
First performance: 25 May 1967 at the Latvian National Opera by Velta Vilcina (Anna) and Haralds Ritenbergs (Orlando), the Latvian National Opera ballet troop and Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Rihards Glazups; choreographer: Valentins Blinovs; scenographer: Edgars Vardaunis.
Duration: 160 minutes.

LP Melodiya: Latvian National Opera & Theatre Orchestra, R. Glazups (cond)

"How Children Sleep (Ka gul berni)", ballad for women's chorus (1968)
On text of Maris Caklais>
Duration: 5 minutes.
"Flood (Pali)", song for mixed chorus (1968)
Text by Imants Auzins.
Duration: 5 minutes.
Musical Contemplations (Muzikalas pardomas) for flute and piano (1969)
Duration: 7 minutes.
Mood in D major (Noskana Re) for piano (1969)
Dedicated to the 75th birthday of artist Valdis Kalnroze.
Duration: 5 minutes.
"Echo (Atbalss)", cantata for mixed chorus and symphony orchestra (1969)
On text of Ziedonis Purvs.
Duration: 15 minutes.
First performance on 19 November 1970 in the University of Latvia Great Hall by the State Academic Choir Latvija, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vassily Sinaisky .
"Summer of the Homeland (Dzimtenes vasara)", song for women’s chorus (1970)
Text by Gunars Selga.
Duration: 5 minutes.
"For the Sea (Jura)", poem for mixed chorus (1971)
Text by Ziedonis Purvs.
Duration: 6 minutes.

LP Melodiya C 60-15399-400: Chamber Choir Ave Sol, Imants Kokars (cond)
CD Ave Sol LR-0002: Chamber Choir Ave Sol, Imants Kokars (cond)

Allegro for trumpet and piano (1971)
Duration: 7 minutes.
"Princess Gundega", opera (1971)
Libretto by the composer>
Based on the play by Anna Brigadere Princese Gundega un karalis Brusubarda (Princess Gundega and the King Brusubarda).
First performance: 30 December 1971 at the Latvian National Opera by Zermena Heine Vagnere and Rita Zelmane (Gundega), Karlis Zarins and Arturs Frinbergs (Maris), soloists of the Latvian National Opera, Choir and Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jazeps Lindbergs; Director: Karlis Liepa; Scenographer: Edgars Vardaunis.
Duration: 180 minutes.
"Celebration Procession (Svetku gajiens)" for wind orchestra (1972)
Duration: 5 minutes.
"Wedding Song (Kazu dziesma)" for men’s chorus (1973)
Duration: 4 minutes.
Humoresque, song for mixed chorus (1973)
On text of Ilga Berza.
Duration: 4 minutes.
"Give Me More Endurance, Land (Jel dod man vairak izturibas, zeme)", song for mixed chorus (1973)
Text by Cecilija Dinere.
Duration: 5 minutes.
"The First Thunder (Pirmais perkons)", song for mixed chorus (1974)
Text by Peteris Jurcins.
Duration: 5 minutes.
Symphony No. 5 (1974)
Duration: 32 minutes.
First performance on 25 April 1975 at the Riga Great Guild by the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Aleksander Vilumanis.

LP Melodiya C10 13685-6: Latvian State SO, Aleksander Vilumanis (cond)

Prelude for small symphony orchestra (1975)
Duration: 6 minutes.
"Alarm (Trauksme)", ballad for mixed chorus and symphony orchestra (or organ) (1975)
On text of Peteris Jurcins.
Duration: 9 minutes.
Symphony No. 6 (1976)
Duration: 32 minutes.
First performance in October 1977 at the Riga Great Guild by the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vasily Sinaisky.

LP Melodiya: Latvian State SO, V. Sinaisky (cond) (live rec)

"The Singing Linden Tree (Dziesmota liepa)", song for mixed chorus (1977)
Text by Lija Bridaka.
Duration: 5 minutes.
"Wipe Your Tears, Motherland! (Noslauki asaras, Dzimtene mat!)", oratorio for soloists, mixed chorus and symphony orchestra (1977)
On text of Peteris Jurcins.
Duration: 38 minutes.
First performance on 15 February 1979 in the University of Latvia Great Hall by the State Academic Choir Latvija, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and soloists, conducted by Vasily Sinaisky.
"The Sea (Jura)" for men's chorus (1977)
Text by Lija Bridaka.
Duration: 5 minutes.
Two works for piano (1979)
No. 1: Contemplations (Pardomas)
No. 2: Consolation (Mierinajums)
Duration: 5 minutes.
"The Hedgehog's Coat (Eza Kazocins)", opera (1979)
Libretto: Arturs Birnsons.
Based on the play Eza kazocins by Vilis Pludonis.
Duration: 120 minutes.
"Birches (Berzi)", song for mixed chorus (1980)
Text by Fricis Barda.
Duration: 5 minutes.
"Ballad about a Forest Guard (Balade par mezsargu)" for mixed chorus (1981)
Text by Julijs Vanags.
Duration: 7 minutes.
Symphony No. 7 "Preserve Nature (Saudzejiet dabu!)" for mixed chorus and symphony orchestra (1981)
Duration: 37 minutes.
First performance on 3 April 1982 in the University of Latvia Great Hall by the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and the Ave Sol Chamber Chorus, conducted by Vaily Sinaisky.

LP Melodiya C10 29677 009: Latvian SSR State Symphony Orchestra, Vassily Sinaisky (cond)

"Colours (Krasas)" for mixed chorus (1982)
Text by Lija Bridaka>
Duration: 4 minutes.
Quasi una sonata per coro da camera (1982)
Duration: 8 minutes.

LP Melodiya C 10 24109 009: Chamber Choir Ave Sol, Imants Kokars (cond)

"Ballad about the Sun (Balade par sauli)" for women’s chorus (1982)
Text by Mirdza Bendrupe.
Duration: 6 minutes.
"Calling (Piesauksana)", ode for men’s chorus (1984)
Text by Ojars Vacietis.
Duration: 5 minutes.
"Our Gauja (Musu Gauja)", song for mixed chorus (1984)
Text by Arturs Goba.
Duration: 4 minutes.
"Dedication (Veltijums)", song for mixed chorus (1984)
Text by Vija Gune.
Duration: 4 minutes.
"The Stormy Sea (Vetraina jura)", song for mixed chorus (1984)
Text by Lija Bridaka.
Duration: 5 minutes.
Symphony No. 8 (1984)
Duration: 30 minutes.
First performance on 16 September 1985 1985 in the University of Latvia Great Hall by the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vasily Sinaisky.

LP Melodiya: Latvian State SO, V. Sinaisky (cond)

"Rise Sun (Lec, saulite)", musical lanscape for for children’s choir, soloists and chamber orchestra (1984)
On text of Latvian folk songs.
First performance on 3 March 1985 at the Ventspils Culture House by soloists and performance participants: the students of the Ventspils College of Music and the children’s vocal ensemble of the Ventspils Culture House, the students’ and teachers’ chamber orchestra, conducted by Valdis Vanags.
Duration: 10 minutes.
"A Fable about the Foolish Little Mouse (Pasaka par mulka pelenu)", mini-opera for Kindergarten students (1984)
Libretto: Inara Salava.
Based on Samuil Marshak’s poem Pasaka par mulka pelenu.
First performance: 2 March 1985 at the Ventspils Culture House by soloists and participants in the performance: the children of the Ventspils kindergartens Dzintarins and Taurenitis, students of the Ventspils College of Music and the teachers’ chamber orchestra, conducted by Valdis Vanags.
Duration: 20 minutes.
"Folk Song Father (Dainu tevs)", ballad for soloists, children’s mixed chorus and piano (1986)
Text by Vitauts Ludens.
Duration: 10 minutes.
"Dedication (Veltijums), vocalize for chamber chorus (1987)
In honour of the opening of the Riga Ave Sol Concert Hall in 1987.
Duration: 5 minutes.

LP Melodiya C10 30993 001: Chamber Choir Ave Sol, Imants Kokars (cond)

"Stones of Vidzeme (Vidzemes akmeni)", ballad for men’s chorus (1987)
Text by Vitauts Ludens.
Duration: 6 minutes.
Symphony No. 9 (1987)
Duration: 35 minutes.
First performance on 24 September 1987 at the Riga Great Guild by the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vasily Sinaisky.

LP Melodiya: Latvian State SO, I. Resnis (cond)

Poem for chamber orchestra (1987)
Duration: 8 minutes.
Overture for symphony orchestra (1987)
Duration: 7 minutes.

LP Melodiya: Latvian State SO, V. Sinaisky (cond)

"Fable (Pasaka)", song for mixed chorus (1988)
Text by Vitauts Ludens.
Duration: 5 minutes.
"Jackdaw in the Choir (Kovarnis kori)", song for mixed chorus (1989)
Text by Janis Peters.
Duration: 4 minutes.
"The Autumn Song of Migrating Birds (Gajputnu rudens dziesma)" for mixed chorus (1989)
Text by Vilis Pludons.
Duration: 5 minutes.
Aria (Arija) for symphony orchestra (1999)
Instrumentation by Romualds Kalsons.
Dedicated to Adolf Skulte’s 90th birthday.
Original version by Adolf Skulte is for cello and piano (1943).
Duration: 6 minutes.

Thanks to David Hibbard from the US and J. Giraudet from France for additional information

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