Composer

:

Sofia Gubaidulina

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Meditation

Compose Date

:

1993

First Performance

:

1993

Average_duration

:

12:29

"Meditation" is a composition for solo cello and chamber orchestra, composed by Sofia Gubaidulina in 1977. The piece was premiered on October 22, 1977, in Moscow, by cellist Natalia Gutman and the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Rudolf Barshai. The composition consists of three movements, each of which explores different aspects of meditation. The first movement, titled "The Awakening," is characterized by a slow, meditative pace and a sense of introspection. The cello plays long, sustained notes, while the orchestra provides a gentle, supportive accompaniment. The second movement, titled "The Contemplation," is more active and dynamic than the first. The cello plays a series of rapid, virtuosic passages, while the orchestra provides a rhythmic, pulsating accompaniment. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective coda. The final movement, titled "The Prayer," is the most introspective of the three. The cello plays a series of plaintive, mournful melodies, while the orchestra provides a sparse, atmospheric accompaniment. The movement ends with a sense of resignation and acceptance. Overall, "Meditation" is characterized by its contemplative, introspective mood and its use of extended techniques, such as harmonics and glissandi, to create a unique and expressive sound world. The piece is widely regarded as one of Gubaidulina's most important works and has been performed and recorded by numerous cellists and orchestras around the world.

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