Christmas Special Edition -1
Dec 2024
LIM
LIM 09
Through diligent research, I was fortunate to discover some remarkable arrangements that I featured on the
album, which perfectly capture the spirit of the season while demanding exceptional technical skill and
musicality.
LM: What’s your go-to Christmas movie and did it inspire any tracks on the album?
RV: Holiday films hold a special place in our childhood memories. Growing up in Lithuania, just as it was
gaining independence from the Soviet Union, television options were limited. Home Alone stands out in my
memory, not only for its classic status but also for its remarkable score by John Williams. While the film didn't
directly inspire the album, its nostalgic Christmas atmosphere and the joy it evoked undoubtedly influenced
the overall tone and spirit.
LM: Did you have any funny or memorable moments while recording the Christmas album?
RV: The album's creation unfolded during my first year of motherhood. Balancing the project's demands with
childcare was challenging at times. Having to practice the music for many hours to prepare for recording
sessions, my son grew up listening to Christmas music year-round. The album's collaborative nature was a
highlight. It wasn't a solitary endeavor; my entire family was involved, making it a truly special experience.
LM: Which classic Christmas song always puts you in the holiday spirit, and did it make it onto your
album?
RV: I find Jingle Bell Rock to be particularly festive, but it’s not quite the right fit for classical piano. I
appreciate its simplicity and joyful melody, and while a creative piano arrangement could be fun, I am also
perfectly content leaving it in its original form.
LM: Please tell our readers what next for you.
RV: I am in the process of recording the complete Beethoven Violin Sonatas with world-renowned violinist
Ilya Kaler. We have embarked on this monumental endeavor that will culminate in a multi-disc set.
Ilya is the violin professor at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and the only violinist in history to win three
gold medals at the world's most prestigious violin competitions, the Tchaikovsky, Sibelius and Paganini. His
extensive discography, spanning concertos, chamber music, and solo repertoire, have established him as one of
the greatest violinists of our time. I am privileged to contribute to his musical legacy, covering major violin
repertoire on record.
Rasa’s socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/rasapiano
Facebook: https://facebook.com/Raselita
YouTube: https://youtube.com/Rasapiano
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4WTx0IcyJBwJmrFglu2t2T
Website: https://rasapiano.com
Christmas album:
All links: https://album.link/rasa
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4VSApoPr5aULdnzy4xT7nJ
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0CN1NSKTP
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/1715936877
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40