Eduardas Balsys (1919–1984) was one of the most talented Lithuanian composers of post-war generation whose music stood out for its high artistic standard, and still remains appealing and fresh-sounding. The leader of stylistic breakthrough of the 1960s and one of the most influential figures in the post-Stalinist resurgence of Lithuanian music, the composer is ascribed to moderate modernist trend. The most important part of his output consists of large-scale compositions – a ballet, an opera, oratorios, and concertos. Balsys was one of the best masters of orchestration in Lithuania, and also an excellent teacher of composition.

Eduardas Balsys taught composition and orchestration at the Lithuanian State Conservatoire. Since 1960 he chaired the composition department of the same institution, and in 1962–72 served as a chairman of the Lithuanian Composers’ Union. The composer was twice awarded the State Prize – first for his ballet Eglė, Queen of the Grass-snakes (1960) and later for his oratorio Don’t Touch the Blue Globe (1974). Balsys died in Druskininkai on November 3, 1984.

(C) Lithuanian Music Information Center