THE LAST SUPPER
eclipse
This CD is particularly interesting as it exclusively contains - except for the
Sonata
№1
by G. Bantshikov
from 1977 – oeuvres for bayan.
Composer G.
Bantshikov
from Petersburg is one of
Russia's most important composers. He composed operas, ballets, symhonies,
cantatas for choirs, and chamber music for various instruments among which you
find four sonatas for bayan. Sonata
№1
was written in 1977 and is dedicated to O. Sharov. In the first
movement two metaphorical
spheres are confronted with each other: a rhythmical, vibrating and somehow
mysterious ostinato-line, accompanied by the left hand, and a peaceful and
idyllic melody by the right hand. However, both lines gradually develop a
somewhat excited character which is only interrupted by clusters. The whole
movement is based on this musical structure.
The second movement presents a fugato. The theme by and by develops out of minor
thirds and
evokes a sad
and melancholic mood which gradually conquers the tonal cosmos.
The theme in the third movement remotely reminds of a pastoral melody although
it shows quite aggressive features. The
central episode finally reaches its climax in the evil march, the whole sonata
heading for its culmination. A chain of clusters disrupts the sinister
procession, and forms - like the clusters in the first movement - the frame of
the whole sonata.
A.Cholminov is another great Russian composer of the 20th century. Apart from
numerous operas, symphonies, oeuvres for choir and chamber music, he wrote the
very simple but profound and heartbreakingly beautiful melody for the film
“Predsedatyel” (“The Chairman”) – and that using only two notes. In the film it
is played on bayan. Cholminov uses this melody in his “Autumn melody”, and - in
my opinion - he succeeded perfectly in creating a masterpiece. The phantasy,
deep and emotional, is perfectly constructed and shows - which is essential - a
rather high-pitched and rich intonation. Such a gorgeous oeuvre could only be
created by a real maestro.
The outstanding Russian composer R.Ledenyov, professor at the
Moscovite Conservatory, worked on a cycle of oeuvres for bayan entitled “…on the
background of the Russian landscape”. “Evening
love ditties”
is the 2nd oeuvre of this cycle. According to the composer's own words, he
wanted to show what is going on in a
village when the young people gather after a day of hard work, in order to relax
and have fun. Lyric melodies alternate with – sometimes - quite lively
folk dances.
The sonata by E.Podgaits, one of the most important Russian composers of the
middle generation, was written on my suggestion. It is, classically,
divided into three parts. Fact is that today sonatas often
consist of only one movement. Podgaits always develops the first movement
according to the structures of traditional
sonatas, and it is rich in rare rhythms and shows a sophisticated structure. The
basic idea of the 2nd movement concentrates on using the “bisbigliando”
on the bayan. This method of playing is mainly used with instruments and demands
to repeat the same note using different fingerings. On the bayan the composer
uses the bisbigliando for repeating the same note
by changing into different timbres
(registers). In the 3rd movement he mainly uses the five-part ricochet,
which makes the final – besides some other aspects of interpretation techniques
- an outstanding end of the cycle.
M.Bronner, the phenomenal composer
of great symphonies, choir- and chamber music oeuvres, as well as various ones
for bayan, has, following my request, written a piece entitled “Eclipse”. He
liked the title at once: “You understand,
Friedrich, for me the title of a piece of music is half the oeuvre. By the
way, why “Eclipse”?
- So I told him that my family name is part of it. In this oeuvre the soul and
its confusion make up the central part. At the same time, the phonogram
of lively nature used at the recording depicts a real natural phenomenon, even a
disaster is possible. However, everything calms
down finally, and because of his touching
discovery (the smile of a child) the composer tells us in the end: ”No
matter what, life goes on...”
Friedrich
Lips
G.Bantshikov
(1943)
|
Sonata N° 1 for bayan in 3
movements (1977) |
|
|
1.
Allegretto |
4:21 |
|
2.
Andante |
5:55 |
|
3.Vivo |
4:45 |
A.Cholminov (1925) |
Autumn melody
(2005) |
9:43 |
R.Ledenjow (1930)
|
Eveniong love
ditties (2003) |
9:59 |
E.Podgaits (1949) |
Sonata for bayan in
3 movements (2004) |
|
|
1. Allegro vivo |
4:51 |
|
2. Andantino |
4:59 |
|
3. Allegro ben
ritmico |
3:21 |
M.Bronner (1952) |
Eclipse (2008) for bayan
and electronics * |
12:05 |
Total time |
|
60:35 |
*Electronics
only are available for free at
mik.bronner@gmail.com
Scores
are available at the edition “Мuzyka“
in Moscow
www.music-izdat.ru
or sale@music-izdat.ru
|