The article focuses on the Latvian composer Jānis Petraškevičs, who has recently made waves in the music scene with his concert titled 'What Was Here Before,' which features percussion instruments and an ensemble. The world premiere of this work took place on February 2, 2025, in Berlin, with its first performance in Latvia occurring shortly after on February 8, 2025, at the Cēsis concert hall. Petraškevičs’ use of rich, painterly colors in music is noted, alongside the delicate and diverse interplay between the percussion instruments and the ensemble.

In detailing the composer’s approach, the article emphasizes how Petraškevičs constructs his scores initially with fine, graphic lines, creatively coloring the various instruments’ interactions. This meticulous attention to detail results in a vibrant sound palette that allows listeners to engage fully with the music's intricate layers. Each nuance of the performance appears as a monumental, relief-like tapestry, inviting the audience to linger over every aspect of the soundscape.

The piece 'What Was Here Before' exemplifies Petraškevičs’ evolving style that incorporates more and more artistic colors and textures. As a candidate for the Grand Music Prize, Petraškevičs highlights the significance of having one's music performed, which he considers the greatest honor. This recognition is crucial in elevating composers' profiles in Latvia, amidst a growing appreciation for contemporary music, making such events vital for cultural development in the country.