Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina died on March 13th at the age of 93 in her hometown of Appen. She is considered one of the most influential composers of the post-World War II era.
Gubaidulina was born on October 24th, 1931 in Chistopol, Russia. She studied piano and composition at the Kazan Conservatory and composition at the Moscow Conservatory. Her music was characterized by spirituality and experimental sound combinations.
The Soviet authorities opposed her because she did not conform to the social realism they imposed, but she refused to conform. She felt supported by Dmitri Shostakovich who encouraged her to continue on the ‘wrong path’. In 1992, Gubaidulina moved to Germany, where she led a secluded life.
Her oeuvre includes more than 100 compositions, ranging from chamber music to symphonies. Well-known works include the violin concerto Offertorium (1980), written for violinist Gidon Kremer, and Canticle of the Sun for cellist Mstislav Rostropovich.
Her music is performed worldwide by leading orchestras and soloists.
In the Netherlands, Gubaidulina became known through the television series Toonmeesters by conductor Reinbert de Leeuw and director Cherry Duyns. Her latest work Über Liebe und Hass premiered in the Netherlands in 2018 under the direction of Valeri Gergiev.
Her work remains a source of inspiration for musicians and lovers of contemporary classical music.
Gubaidulina at the Concertzender
- Concertzender Live van a.s. donderdag 20 maart om 14:00u is completely devoted to Sofia Gubaidulina
- Ongehoord, 11 november 2024
- Radio Monalisa, 24 november 2024
- Sonoor, 18 juni 2017
