Sofia Gubaidulina's "Gubaidulina: The Canticle of the Sun, Preludes for Violoncello Solo & In Croce" is a captivating exploration of avant-garde and minimalist music, released on January 1, 2009, under the Channel Classics label. This album is a testament to Gubaidulina's unique compositional voice, blending spiritual themes with innovative musical techniques.
The centerpiece of the album is "The Canticle of the Sun," a 19-minute work inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi's famous hymn. Gubaidulina's interpretation is a profound meditation on nature and divinity, translated into a musical language that is both intricate and deeply moving. The piece is divided into 19 sections, each offering a distinct musical landscape that reflects the text's themes.
Complementing this is the "10 Preludes for Violoncello Solo," a collection that showcases Gubaidulina's mastery of the cello's expressive range. Each prelude explores different techniques and moods, from the playful "Staccato, legato" and "Legato, staccato" to the ethereal "Ricochet" and the contrasting "Arco, pizzicato" and "Pizzicato, arco." These preludes demonstrate Gubaidulina's ability to push the boundaries of instrumental music while maintaining a deep sense of musicality.
The album concludes with "In Croce," a powerful and introspective piece that encapsulates the spiritual depth of Gubaidulina's work. With a total duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album is a comprehensive journey through the composer's distinctive sound world, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience for those drawn to the avant-garde and minimalist genres.
2009 Channel Classics Records2009 Channel Classics Records
Tracks
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 1, "Altissimo onnipotente bon Signore"Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 2Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 3, "Laudato si, mi Signore, cun tucte le tue creature"Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 4, "Laudato si, mi Signore, per sora luna e le stelle"Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 5, "Laudato si, mi Signore, per frate vento"Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 6, "Laudato si, mi Signore, per sora acqua"Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 7, "Laudato si, mi Signore, per frate foco"Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 8, "Laudato si, mi Signore, per sora nostra matre terra"Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 9Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 10Sofia Gubaidulina, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 11Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 12, "Altissimo"Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 13Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 14Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 15, "Laudato si, mi Signore, per quelli le perdonano"Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 16Sofia Gubaidulina, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 17Sofia Gubaidulina, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 18, "Laudato si, mi Signore, per sora nostra morte corporale"Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
The Canticle of the Sun: No. 19, "Laudate et benedicete mi Signore"Sofia Gubaidulina, Collegium Vocale Gent, Daniel Reuss, Pieter Wispelwey, Members of the Prometheus Ensemble
10 Preludes: I. Staccato, legatoSofia Gubaidulina, Pieter Wispelwey
10 Preludes: II. Legato, staccatoSofia Gubaidulina, Pieter Wispelwey
10 Preludes: IV. RicochetSofia Gubaidulina, Pieter Wispelwey
10 Preludes: VIII. Arco, pizzicatoSofia Gubaidulina, Pieter Wispelwey
10 Preludes: IX. Pizzicato, arcoSofia Gubaidulina, Pieter Wispelwey
In CroceSofia Gubaidulina, Pieter Wispelwey, An Raskin
Vinylscout