Commissioned by the city of Antwerpen for Champ d'Action

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  • 1(pic).1.1.0/0.1.0.0/2perc/hp.2kbd(pf)/vn.va.db/electronics (see link above for details)
  • 18 min

Programme Note

Solar is based on the idea of an ever present harmonic structure, which radiates an image around it and forces the harmony over and over again back to its original form, as if following the laws of gravity. The piece is named after this idea.

This 'solar' harmony is then contrasted with a very different kind of harmonic principle, based more on polarities.

The musical material in Solar is deliberately limited. The same ideas re-appear, orchestrated in different manners, and above all in different tempi; this is another important aspect of Solar. Towards the end of the piece musical elements - registers, harmony, rhythm, tempo, orchestration - are presented in rapidly changing extremes.

The two electronic keyboards have limited but clear functions. The pianist alternates with the first keyboard 's sounds of metal bells tuned in quartertones. These sounds are connected to metallic percussions and the trumpet. The second keyboard, a Yamaha SY99 synthesiser, is used to complete piano and percussion textures, or to create sustained background chords and thus replace a larger string section.

Media

Solar

Scores

Discography

Kaija Saariaho

Kaija Saariaho
  • Label
    Ondine
  • Catalogue Number
    997-2
  • Conductor
    Hannu Lintu
  • Ensemble
    Avanti! Chamber Orchestra
  • Soloist
    John StorgÄrds, violin
  • Released
    31st May 2002

New Gates

New Gates
  • Label
    Mode
  • Catalogue Number
    mode 91
  • Conductor
    James Wood
  • Ensemble
    Champ d'Action

Works for Orchestra

Works for Orchestra
  • Label
    Ondine
  • Catalogue Number
    ODE 1113-2Q
  • Conductor
    Esa-Pekka Salonen
  • Ensemble
    Los Angeles Philharmonic
  • Soloist
    Anu Komsi (soprano), Riikka Rantanen (contralto), Petri Alanko (alto flute), Anssi Karttunen (cello), Petteri Salomaa (baritone), John Storgards (violin), Pia Freund (soprano), Gabriel Suovanen (baritone), Karita Mattila (soprano)

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