Sofia Gubaidulina Sonata for double bass and piano (audio + sheet music)

Sofia Gubaidulina s Sonata for double bass and piano is in one extended movement and was composed in 1975. The music is discordant, acerbic, powerful, dramatic, but also lyrical, utilising many contemporary techniques for the double bass and the bassist is placed centrestage throughout. This is not a duosonata in the true sense of the term, but the partnership between the two is still important and very effective. Gubaidulina s music has been described as shockingly original, which is certainly the case with thus work. Lasting 1214 minutes and with not a melody in sight, it still holds the attention from beginning to end. Gubaidulina contrasts and partners the two instruments creatively and adventurously, employing a wide range of colours, textures and timbres and the alchemy she works here produces a work of great beauty and imagination and has a simplicity and serenity which obviously stems back to her rich and unique mix of religious tradition from her native country. Whatever her infl