This is just an awesome set of really challenging modern chamber music, sort of smaller versions of what Penderecki was up to, I guess. The set contains three works by Gubaidulina centered around the cello and the bayan, a Russian version of the accordion.
In Croce for bayan and cello (1979, 1991)
In croce is a duet for cello and bayan, and ranges from almost horror-movie film score intensity to a sort of meandering exploration of space. And then that builds back – there is a really strong use of dynamics. And the cello really gets into its upper register.
- Elsbeth Moser: bayan
- Maria Kliegel: cello
Silenzio for bayan, violin and cello
I have always had a thing against pieces being named “Silence” but “Silenzio” is another fascinating exploration of this unusual instrumentation, though it is considerably milder (relatively speaking).
[Five movements]
- Elsbeth Moser: bayan
- Maria Kliegel: cello
- Kathrin Rabus: violin
Sieben Worte for cello, bayan, and strings
Seven Words is, I think, one of the landmark chamber pieces of the 1980s. The piece manages to encompass multiple recent trends in music – touching on ‘Holy Minimalism’, other drone-oriented music and Gubaidulina’s own tradition, which seems vaguely “sonoristic”, and more traditional forms, all while using an accordion!
And despite its semi-radical nature, it manages to be so emotionally resonant (in a way that so few avant garde pieces are).
I have never heard anything like it. Amazing.
- “Vater, Vergib Ihnen, Denn Sie Wissen Nicht, Was Sie Tun” (“Father, Forgive Them, For They Know Not What They Do”) 4:28
- “Weib, Siehe, Das Ist Dein Sohn. – Siehe, Das Ist Deine Mutter” (“Woman, Behold Thy Son. Son, Behold Thy Mother”) 4:12
- “Wahrlich, Ich Sage Dir: Heute Wirst Du Mit Mir Im Paradiese Sein” (“Verily, I Say Unto Thee: Today Thou Shalt Be With Me In Paradise”) 3:49
- “Mein Gott, Mein Gott, Warum Hast Du Mich Verlassen?” (“My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?”) 9:10
- “Mich Dürstet” (“I Thirst”) 4:48
- “Es Ist Vollbracht” (“It Is Accomplished”) 2:52
- “Vater, Ich Befehle Meinen Geist In Deine Hände” (“Father, Into Thy Hands I Commend My Spirit”)
- Elsbeth Moser: bayan
- Maria Kliegel: cello
- Strings: Camerata Transylvanica, conducted by Gyorgy Selmeczi
The set is structured thoughtfully as well, as it builds from duo to trio to ensemble. I wish that much care was taken more often.
9/10