<<  -- 8 --  Sissy von Kotzebue    PPPP OR PPPPP?

Two Dialogues with Epilogue (2001-2002) for strings and orchestra is dedicated to Arvo Pärt, but evokes Franz Schubert and Richard Wagner in a Marriage Waltz: F Schubert -- V Silvestrov and in a Postludium: R Wagner -- V Silvestrov. The following piece, Serenade of Good-Bye for strings is the newest composition to be played in this concert. It is from 2003. Conducted by Christoph Poppen with sense and sensibility, the audience begins to understand that there is a big difference between pppp and ppppp.

Is there an encore? There is something unique. Silvestrov himself is entering the stage and beginning to play. So tender, fragile, but so touching, as if the composer tries to say 'thank you' and 'good night' in a language that he knows the listener will understand. Born of the moment, it is a wonderful little piece of night music.

Further Information: ECM has released the most important Silvestrov recordings. ECM boss Manfred Eicher tells the astounding story how he found the composer: Eicher was in Albania and became friends with a shepherd, a real music enthusiast and collector. The shepherd had numerous tapes he played for his guest, and there was one so special and outstanding that Eicher spontaneously wished to find out more about it. The composer was -- Valentyn Silvestrov. Since then, ECM has produced an interesting series of his work. The Grammy-nominated CD Leggiero, Pesante, performed by the renowned Rosamunde Quartett with the celebrated viola player Helmut Nicolai and Anja Lechner at the cello, is really a must. It documents a fine selection of Silvestrov's chamber music, the String Quartet No 1 and the Sonata for Violoncello and Piano. The composer himself plays his Hymn 2001 for solo piano.