Portrait Sofia Gubaidulina

The centrepiece of the evening’s programme is the five-movement Concerto for Bassoon and low strings, written in Russia in 1975, the year of Shostakovich’s death. The rarely-heard work is one of the compositions that display the influence of this towering figure of Soviet music on Gubaidulina’s »middle style«. It is also well-known that Shostakovich encouraged and sponsored her as a young composer. The concerto’s fascination lies in the exceptionally varied and virtuoso sounds of by the low register, as well as the direct appeal of the solo part, taken here by the NDR’s solo bassoonist David Spranger. The concerto is flanked by two pieces scored for a larger cello ensemble. 2002’s »Mirage« with its light fantasies is a fine example of the nature mysticism to be found in Gubaidulina’s late works. »Am Rande des Abgrunds«, written at about the same time, is one of her most frequently-performed compositions, and surprises the listener with its use of two rich-sounding waterphones.

Sofia Gubaidulina has a long-standing connection with the NDR. Among the memorable products of their cooperation are many performances put on by the NDR Chor (now known as the NDR Vokalensemble) – particularly the big first performances of the St John’s Passion and the Easter Oratorio in St. Michael’s Church, Hamburg, in March 2002.