De Profundis by Sofia Gubaidulina: Interpretation versus Performance

The work creates an image of human suffering and portrays a hope that is born in the midst of pain. The choral part of the piece reflects concepts of hope, trust and mercy. Throughout the piece, growth from the depths is present. Sofia Gubaidulina, a living classic of modern music and one of the most popular composers of our time, is in constant search of both new timbres and spiritual truths. Born in Kazan (Russia), at the intersection of Tatar and Russian cultures as well as Islam and Christianity, she was naturally influenced by all of them, which is best reflected in Gubaidulina's continual interest in the wide range of expression means offered by Oriental music. Sofia Gubaidulina's work introduces new sounds and an incessant search for spirituality through sound. Despite the difficulties Gubaidulina experienced early in her life and career she was able to overcome many obstacles to eventually achieve international stature as a composer. De Profundis, Et Expecto, Silenzio, Last seven Words, Fachwerk, Under the sign of Scorpio are some of the composer's works inspired by the orthodox chants that insert the Bayan (accordion) as a scholarly instrument and essential vehicle for metamorphosis in musical language. Despite the importance of a trustworthy interpretation of the score in the work De Profundis by Sofia Gubaidulina, the aspect of performance becomes essential to achieve an in-depth execution.