Galina Grigorjeva:
Molitva (Prayer)
Recitativo accompagnato (Sonata per violoncello solo)

Kuldar Sink:
Gospodi, pomilui nas (Lord, have mercy on us) for cello solo (1994/2012)

Tonu Korvits:
Excerpts from Seitsme linnu seitse und (Seven Dreams of Seven Birds) for cello and choir (2009)

Arvo Pärt:
Pro et contra, concerto for cello and orchestra (1966)

Erkki-Sven Tüür:
Spectrum IV for cello and organ (2004)

Allar Kaasik has enjoyed a long and fruitful career, in his native Estonia as well as abroad. Reflecting on it in the liner notes to this very personal disc, he singles out one particular aspect: the ambition to embrace the very latest compositions by Estonian composers. Performing in churches as he often does, Kaasikfinds music resounding in a church a part of the Holy Service. This is reflected in many of the works which have been written for him, with composers such as Galina Grigorjevaand KuldarSinkenriching the tradition of Estonian church music.

Among Allar Kaasik’smany partners in performing these works, several appear on the present disc, including two eminent choirs –the State Choir Latvijaand Estonian National Male Choir–as well as the Latvian organist KristineAdamaite. A focal point of the programme is the cello concerto Pro et contraby the most celebrated of all Estonian composers, ArvoPärt. Kaasikis supported by the Estonian National Symphony Orchestraconducted by PeeterLiljeand the recording has a particular significance –originally released by Melodiyain 1989, it was the first recording of Pärt’s music published on disc in the Soviet Union following the lifting of the unofficial ban on his music. The remaining works on Timeless Lightwere all recorded between 2014 and 2016.