“Music is the breath of the soul” — that’s what Lūcija Garūta said. And in my view, she has done just that – she has written when her soul does not allow her not to write.“This album and my encounter with Garūta’s world began right at the Piano Concerto. It is a truly important and special work among Latvian piano concertos because of its poignant truth, and although it is clear that it is a very personal message, at times I also hear the voice of the heartache of the entire nation. Perhaps it comes from the presence of folk song melodies, as they acquire timeless, universal overtones in this music. Similar power to the melody and words of the folk song is also found in the Variations, which stand on the other side of the album like a monumental beacon. Both of these large-scale works are a living testimony to the author’s indestructible faith in a bright future, even if it can only be found in eternity.Garūta’s femininity and courage, fragility and strength also permeate the miniatures included in the album. Four Preludes is a truly masterful opus close to Scriabin’s colors, which simultaneously unites and also contrasts its four different characters. “Meditation” in the piano version allows you to get closer to the author’s soul again. And the final little song “Lellītes aiju dziesmiņa” “came” to me completely (accidentally) – once when I was visiting Garūta’s apartment in the center of Riga, I opened an album of her pictures and a small page with this song, lightly sketched with a pencil, fell out of it. And dedicated to the same girl, in whose memory the Piano Concerto was written 7 years later.This year marks 40 years since Lūcija Garūta herself passed away. Therefore, I would like to express my gratitude to Daina Pormalei, Garūta’s sister’s granddaughter, who has carried the legacy of Lūcītis spirit to future generations, including me, with constant care and love.In short, Garūta reminds me to strive to stay true – and for that I thank her.”

– Reinis Zariņš