Sofia Gubaidulina - Silenzio; De profundis; Et exspecto; In Erwartung

Sofia GUBAIDULINA (1931-2025)

Silenzio. Five Pieces for classical accordion, violin and cello (1991)

De profundis (1978) for classical accordion solo

Et exspecto. Sonata for classical accordion solo (1985)

In Erwatung (1994 for saxophone quartet and six percussionists (1994)

Geir Draugsvoll (Classical Accordion)

Arne Balk Moller (Violin)

Henrik Brenstrup (Cello)

Rascher Saxophone Quartet

Kroumata Percussion Ensemble

Released: February 28-1995

Review:

The bulk of these recordings serve as a vehicle for classical accordionist Geir Draugsvoll. In the 5 pieces that make up Silenzio the accordion plays more of an accompanying role to the violin and cello voices. Compared to the other pieces, this is relatively slow and subdued music which nevertheless manages to keep the attention focused. It ends on a very dark note, which is exactly how follow-up piece De Profundis starts off. The earliest composition presented here, it was originally scored for bayan, the Russian equivalent of the accordion. Its basic idea is that of journey from darkness to light with a few stops and starts on the way. It allows the player to display the full range of his instrument, something equally applicable in the next piece Et Exspecto, in which more thoughtful passages alternate with some wild stuff. It must have been fun playing these two solo pieces. Completing the programme is In Erwartung, a substantial and somewhat spooky piece commissioned for saxophone quartet and percussion ensemble. The latter plays the more prominent role, making this another example of those imaginative percussion pieces Sofia Gubaidulina really excels at. All in all this is a lively and playful disc indispensable to those interested in this composer.