Sofia Gubaidulina's "Triple Concerto for Violin, Cello and Bayan & Rejoice! for Violin and Cello" is a captivating exploration of avant-garde and minimalist music, released in 2018 under the Orfeo label. This album showcases Gubaidulina's mastery in composing intricate and evocative pieces that challenge and delight the ears.
The album features two main works: the Triple Concerto and Rejoice!. The Triple Concerto, scored for a large orchestra with extensive winds, brass, strings, timpani, and percussion, is a testament to Gubaidulina's ability to create rich, textured soundscapes. The piece was premiered in 2017 and recorded in April 2018 at the Großer Sendesaal des NDR Landesfunkhauses Niedersachsen RBB. Rejoice!, on the other hand, is a more intimate composition for violin and cello, divided into five movements that explore themes of joy and introspection.
Performers include the renowned Baiba Skride on violin, Harriet Krijgh on cello, and Elsbeth Moser on bayan, with Andrew Manze conducting the NDR Radiophilharmonie. Their interpretations bring out the depth and complexity of Gubaidulina's compositions, making this album a standout in the realm of contemporary classical music. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute, this album is a must-listen for those interested in the avant-garde and minimalist genres.