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- Sofia Gubaidulina
Detto II for Violoncello and 13 Instruments (1972)
- Hans Sikorski/VAAP (USA, Canada and Mexico only)
Dedicated to Natalya Shakhovskaya. Available in the USA, Canada and Mexico only
- 1111/1000/2perc/cel/str (1.1.1.1.1)
- Cello
- 15 min
Programme Note
Detto II for cello and chamber ensemble was composed in 1972 for the Russian cellist Natalia Shakovskaya. The Italian word 'detto' ('said') in the title of this one-movement piece refers to the narrative character of the music. The particular expressivity of the work derives principally from the quarter-tone glissandi of the solo instrument. As the music progresses, it develops from the opening meditative immobility to a dramatic, impulsive middle section. Finally the work dies away in contemplative peace. This conception corresponds to the idea of a gradual extension of the melodic progress of the solo cello from quarter-tones to several octaves and then back to quarter-tones. This type of compositional format gives the work a wave-shaped dynamic structure. Detto II is also distinguished by colorful exploitation of the extensive percussion section. The coda contains an especially interesting music solution: the cello theme, almost inaudible, dies away gradually, accompanied by ppp comments from the flute, celesta, glockenspiel, crotales and higher strings.