Located in the UK
Located in the USA
Located in Europe
- Kaija Saariaho
Spins and Spells (1997)
- Chester Music Ltd (World)
Commissioned by the Association des Concours internationaux de la Ville de Paris
Programme Note
The title evokes the two gestures which are at the origin of the work: on the one hand the pattern which I call "spinning tops" turning around on the one spot or undergoing changes, and on the other, timeless moments, centred on the sound colour and texture.
The entire piece unfolds either around or between these two gestures. I chose to re-tune the instrument in order to personalise the harmonic writing: the fifths are replaced by structures favouring major sixths and minor thirds.
Challenged by this scodatura, the sonority of Spins and Spells reminds me of the music and the instrumental colours of another age, far older than those of the cello that we know, although seen and transformed again through my own universe.
Kaija Saariaho, 26th June 1997
The entire piece unfolds either around or between these two gestures. I chose to re-tune the instrument in order to personalise the harmonic writing: the fifths are replaced by structures favouring major sixths and minor thirds.
Challenged by this scodatura, the sonority of Spins and Spells reminds me of the music and the instrumental colours of another age, far older than those of the cello that we know, although seen and transformed again through my own universe.
Kaija Saariaho, 26th June 1997
Media
Spins and Spells
Reviews
Spins and Spells shows how cliché (string-crossing harmonics at the outset) can be transformed into poetry by a musically precise ear, a sure sense of timing and a spirit of exploration.
1st May 2003
Discography
Kaija Saariaho: Cello Works
- LabelDUX
- Catalogue NumberDUX1686
- SoloistJoanna Gutowska, cello
- Released19th August 2022
Kaija Saariaho Complete Cello Works
- LabelAeon
- Catalogue NumberAECD 0636
- SoloistAlexis Descharmes, cello; Jérémie Fèvre, flute; Nicolas Baldeyrou, Bass Clarinete
- Released1st March 2006
Chamber Works for Strings Vol. I
- LabelOndine
- Catalogue NumberODE 1222-2
- EnsembleMeta4 String Quartet
- SoloistAnna Laasko (piano), Minna Pensola (violin), Atte Kilpeläinen (viola), Tomas Djupsjöbacka (cello), Marko Myohanen (electronics)
- LabelPetals
- Catalogue Number001
- SoloistAnssi Karttunen, cello
Kaija Saariaho - Chamber Music
- LabelKAIROS
- Catalogue Number0012412KAI
- EnsembleWolpe Trio
- SoloistAndreas Boettger, percussion
Dramatic Games
- LabelAccord
- Catalogue Number472 722-2
- EnsembleTatjana Vassilieva, cello