Sofia Gubaidulina - Offertorium · Hommage à T.S. Eliot (2002)
Classical | EAC (APE & CUE) | 242 MB
Based on the Royal Theme from Bach's
Musical Offering,
Offertorium is aptly subtitled "Violin Concerto" to reflect the role of the solo violin, here brilliantly played by Gidon Kremer, for whom it was written. It's in three continuous sections, each distributed as a series of Webernesque deconstruction. The extensive violin part is technically demanding, and the vigorous orchestral interjections range from the hauntingly wispy to the aggressively colorful. The
Homage à T.S. Eliot can be described as "mystical with backbone," perfectly complementing the texts, drawn from Eliot's
Four Quartets. The music itself is mesmerizing. All in all, Gubaidulina's writing stands solidly on its own as a masterpiece.