SKU: HL.49044143

ISBN 9790001187237.

...called dusk II for string quartet draws its inspiration from a line in Samuel Beckett's short story Lessness: 'Figment dawn dispeller of figments and the other called dusk'.The work is a kind of double Chaconne, each part of which contains 26 chords based on specific permutations of fundamental notes and their harmonics. Each of the parts pass through alternating, harmonically contrasted planes, becoming entwined in the manner of a chimera through their rhythmic structure and dynamics. This intermittently produces a sort of 'inner voice' which runs through all four instruments. The fundamental notes and harmonics separate during the progress of the composition, becoming independent and then disintegrating. The consonant harmony resulting from the amalgamation of the two planes ultimately collapses into a rigid motor-like linearity. Detlev Muller-Siemens.

SKU: HL.14028557

ISBN 9788759854273. 9.5x14.25x0.187 inches. English.

Gates is the second section from the ballet MAA, scored for Chamber group, tape and live electronics. Written in 1991, commissioned by the Finnish National Opera, this work beautifully demonstrates the poeticism of Saariaho's music with a sensuous calm that permeates throughout. MAA translates from Finnish into world, earth or country. It is a complimentary title as the ballet does not have a plot as such, rather it is built around thematic archetypes such as doors, gates, stepping into new worlds, journeys and the crossing of waters. Gates can be played either as an acoustic or, often preferably, an amplified version. The acoustic version is suitable for small and resonant halls, or in a context of e.g. an early music program, in which case the piece can also be played on original instruments. This is the Full set of parts for one of Kaija Saariaho's most major works to date. Score is avilable: KP00326.