Galina Ustvolskaya
• Galina Ustvolskaya's compositions characteristically display a 'symphonic' layout, regardless of their actual instrumentation or duration
• She creates an ascetic music carried by remarkable rhythmic power
• Musical notation often without bar lines, producing astonishingly asymmetrical polyphonic constructions
• Dynamic developments are reduced almost to pure terraced dynamics characterised by extreme contrasts
• Favours setting aphoristic and concentrated, primarily Christian texts
• Works reveal a stern, independent spirit, with an unrelenting will and deep faith
Works by Galina Ustvolskaya include:
Grand Duet for violoncello and piano (1959)
Piano Sonatas Nos 1-6 for piano (1947-1988)
Compositions Nos. 1-3 for mixed ensemble (1971-1975)
Symphonies Nos. 1-5 (1955-1989)
Works by Galina Ustvolskaya are published by Boosey & Hawkes / Sikorski
“Her work has the ‘focusing of a laser beam that can cut metal’.” — Boris Tishchenko
