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- Kaija Saariaho
Petals (1988)
- Edition Wilhelm Hansen Helsinki (World)
- Cello & electronics (see link above for details)
- 9 min
Programme Note
For full information on the electronics, please see 'more info'.
Petals for solo cello was written abruptly in a few days, but evidently after a long unconscious preparation. The material stems directly from Nymphéa for string quartet and electronics. The name of the piece is derived from this relationship.
The opposite elements here are fragile coloristic passages which give birth to more energetic events with clear rhythmic and melodic character. These more sharply focussed figures pass through different transformations, and finally merge back to less dynamic but not the less intensive filigration.
In bringing together these very opposite modes of expressions I aimed to force the interpreter to stretch his sensibility.
Kaija Saariaho
Petals for solo cello was written abruptly in a few days, but evidently after a long unconscious preparation. The material stems directly from Nymphéa for string quartet and electronics. The name of the piece is derived from this relationship.
The opposite elements here are fragile coloristic passages which give birth to more energetic events with clear rhythmic and melodic character. These more sharply focussed figures pass through different transformations, and finally merge back to less dynamic but not the less intensive filigration.
In bringing together these very opposite modes of expressions I aimed to force the interpreter to stretch his sensibility.
Kaija Saariaho
Media
Saariaho : Petals
Scores
Score sample
Discography
More Info
- Study for Life - a new dance production based on music by Kaija Saariaho
- 9th April 2025
- Tero Saarinen’s Study for Life will receive its world premiere at Holland Festival on 24th and 25th June 2025