Composer

:

Sofia Gubaidulina

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1997

Average_duration

:

24:51

Quaternion is a composition for string quartet and bayan, composed by Sofia Gubaidulina in 1976. The piece was premiered on October 17, 1976, in Moscow, by the Kronos Quartet and bayanist Friedrich Lips. The composition consists of four movements, each of which is named after one of the four elements: "Air," "Water," "Fire," and "Earth." The first movement, "Air," is characterized by its ethereal and delicate sound, with the strings playing harmonics and the bayan producing soft, sustained notes. The second movement, "Water," is more fluid and flowing, with the strings playing glissandos and the bayan producing rippling arpeggios. The third movement, "Fire," is more intense and dramatic, with the strings playing aggressive, angular lines and the bayan producing fiery, virtuosic passages. The final movement, "Earth," is more grounded and earthy, with the strings playing pizzicato and the bayan producing percussive, rhythmic patterns. The piece is characterized by Gubaidulina's use of extended techniques, such as harmonics, glissandos, and pizzicato, as well as her incorporation of folk and religious elements. The bayan, a Russian accordion-like instrument, is used to great effect, providing a unique timbre and adding to the overall texture of the piece. The composition also showcases Gubaidulina's interest in the mystical and spiritual, with each movement representing one of the four elements and their associated symbolism. Overall, Quaternion is a challenging and complex work that showcases Gubaidulina's unique voice as a composer. Its use of extended techniques and incorporation of folk and religious elements make it a standout piece in the contemporary classical repertoire.

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