B. Kutavicius, Oratorio – Last Pagan Rites I movement. “Oh You Green Grasshopper”

Bronius Kutavicius is a famous lithuanian composer (b. 1932). His minimalistic music style is unique in its ability to mesmerize and involve the audience in the performance. The oratorio “Last Pagan Rites” (1978) for choir, organ, horns and high voice, is the second in the composers cycle of oratorios. Words by Sigitas Geda. The oratorio is based on the archaic intonation of lithuanian folk songs, and shows, what Kutavicius calls “musical archeology”. Thus using repetitive phrases, and theatrical movement, the composer takes the listener to a journey through time.