Great Gubaidulina

Five essential recordings String Quartets;

Piano Quintet (1957) Quatuor Molinari; Louise Bessette (piano) Atma ACD 22689

A very fine introduction to Gubaidulina from such early works as the Shostakovichlike Piano Quintet to her experimental string quartets. Garden of Joy and Sorrow (1980) Marina Piccinini (flute),

Kim Kashkashian (viola), Sivan Magen (harp) ECM 4810880

Composed as a companion piece to Debussy’s Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp, Gubaidulina creates her own haunting landscape. Offertorium (1980-86); Hommage à TS Eliot (1987) Gidon Kremer (violin);

Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Dutoit DG 479 1518

Gidon Kremer (above) playing the concerto which established Gubaidulina’s international reputation, coupled with a homage to a poet close to the composer’s heart.

Canticle of the Sun (1997) David Geringas (cello);

Danish National Choir & Orchestra

Chandos CHAN 10106

An extraordinary performance of one of Gubaidulina’s most bizarre yet atmospheric works, featuring choir and a virtuosic cello part.

In tempus praesens (2007); Glorious Percussion (2008) Vadim Gluzman (violin); Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Nott BIS BIS-1752

Two very fine concertos. In tempus praesens, originally composed for Anne-sophie Mutter, is particularly colourful and engaging.