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- Kaija Saariaho
Graal théâtre (chamber version) (1997)
- Chester Music Ltd (World)
The reduced score (CH61077-01) is in fact the arrangement for two pianos. It requires two grand pianos with sostenuto pedal. It may be used for rehearsal of both full orchestra and chamber versions. The solo violin part is supplied separately (CH61222-01).
- 1(pic).1.1+bcl.1/2.1.0+btbn.0/2perc/hp.pf/str(1.1.1.1.1)
- violin; 2.2.3.2/4.2.2.1/4perc/hp.pf/str(12.10.8.6.4)
- violin
- 25 min
Programme Note
Graal théâtre (Grail Theatre) takes its title from a book of the same name by Jacques Roubaud. While I was working on my violin concerto the book inspired me indirectly in two ways: firstly the title expresses the tension I feel between the efforts of the composer when writing music and the theatrical aspect of a performance, especially in the case of a concerto where the soloist is playing a major role both physically and musically. Roubaud’s interpretation of the old legend, with its very personal example, also encouraged me to realise something that I had long found impossible: to bring an idea of the violin concerto, a genre with so many
moving and skilful masterpieces, into my musical framework and language.
When compared with my other music, Graal théâtre is the exception in a long row of pieces in which I combined acoustic instruments with electronic elements. Unlike these earlier works, my starting point here was the delicate violin sound and its interaction with the orchestra.
The initial source of inspiration for the piece was the playing and musicianship of Gidon Kremer, to whom the work is dedicated.
K.S.
Paris, 1995
moving and skilful masterpieces, into my musical framework and language.
When compared with my other music, Graal théâtre is the exception in a long row of pieces in which I combined acoustic instruments with electronic elements. Unlike these earlier works, my starting point here was the delicate violin sound and its interaction with the orchestra.
The initial source of inspiration for the piece was the playing and musicianship of Gidon Kremer, to whom the work is dedicated.
K.S.
Paris, 1995
Media
Graal theatre (Version for Violin & Chamber Orchestra): I. Delicato
Graal theatre (Version for Violin & Chamber Orchestra): II. Impetuoso
Scores
Preview the score
Reviews
"The central characteristic of Saariaho's music, constant tension of slow changing, is microscopic drama at its best: as if one would examine large quantities of identical snowflakes first from a distance and then more closely and closely, so that the diversity and wealth of the flakes' figures suddenly dawned like a stroke of lightning. … The climax of the huge concert was the premiere of the chamber version of GRAAL THÉÂTRE. … In the chamber version of her brilliant [violin] concerto Saariaho has reduced her spectra to become more evocative and in their individuality maybe more touching, too."
1st September 1997
Discography
Kaija Saariaho: 70 Years
- LabelOndine
- Catalogue NumberODE 1407-2
- ConductorMarko Letonja / Christoph Eschenbach / Hannu Lintu / Sakari Oramo / Jukka-Pekka Saraste / Esa-Pekka Salonen
- EnsembleOrchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg / Avanti! Chamber Orchestra / Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra / Meta4 / Orchestre de Paris
- SoloistWilhemina Smith, cello; Gerald Finley, bass-baritone; Camilla Hoitenga, flute; Anssi Karttunen, cello; Anu Komsi, soprano; Karita Mattila, soprano; John Storgårds, violin; Gabriel Suovanen, baritone; Dawn Upshaw, soprano; Karen Vourc'h, soprano
- ReleasedJanuary 2023
Kaija Saariaho
- LabelOndine
- Catalogue Number997-2
- ConductorHannu Lintu
- EnsembleAvanti! Chamber Orchestra
- SoloistJohn Storgårds, violin
- Released31st May 2002
