For her violin concerto In Tempus Praesens, Sofia Gubajdulina found inspiration in a coincidental similarity: both she, the composer, and the intended violinist are named Sofia. Of course, Sofia has always been the personification of wisdom. For Gubaj Doelina she is also the embodiment of the artistic engagement with the light and dark sides of existence. Hence, the violin in this concert explores
… all height and depth, as if heaven and hell should be united. Towards the end, the plea seems to be settled by gloomy trombones: a reference to the Russian Orthodox liturgy for the dead. But then the violin breaks free to end in a moving triumph. The other concerts on this CD are by Bach. 'There is a profound spiritual affinity between Gubaidulina and Bach', says Mutter about her original program choice. (HJ)more
