Gubaidulina, Sofia - Seven Words / Ten Preludes / De profundis

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"If you haven't yet been lured into the compelling world of Sofia Gubaidulina's music, this might be just the disc to do it. Her "Seven Words" is built as a sort of double concerto for bayan (Russian button accordion) and cello. High and low, God and man are interwoven over a mysterious, velvety texture of strings. Pärt meets Penderecki - in the best possible way. Gorgeous, and unforgettable."
(BBC Music Magazine)

The composer from the Tartar Republic of the former Soviet Union is a unique figure in contemporary music, and the first ECM album of her compositions underlines many of the strengths of her work, foremost among them a deep feeling for sound and texture. As a colourist, too, Gubaidulina has few equals, and the way in which she mixes "folk" and "concert" instruments - in this case the bayan (the Russian button accordion), the violoncello and strings - is exceptional. Tremendous performances by Elsbeth Moser, Boris Pergamenschikow and the Münchener Kammerorchester under Christoph Poppen.

Elsbeth Moser, bayan
Boris Pergamentschikow, cello
Münchener Kammerorchester
Christoph Poppen, conductor

Recorded January 2001