Galina Ustvolskaya - Galina Ustvolskaya: Violin Sonata; Violin Duo; Clarinet Trio (LP)

Immerse yourself in the striking intensity of Galina Ustvolskaya's compelling compositions with this captivating album, released on ECM New Series in 2014. This collection showcases three remarkable works by the Russian composer, performed with fervent passion by Patricia Kopatchinskaja and her collaborators.

The album opens with the powerful "Violin Sonata," a 22-minute exploration of raw emotion and technical mastery, followed by the "Clarinet Trio," a tripartite work of artful design that adds a new dimension to the duo of violin and piano. The trio, composed in 1949, features clarinetist Reto Bieri, whose purity of tone enhances the intricate interplay between the instruments. The album concludes with the "Duet for Violin and Piano," a testament to Ustvolskaya's unique compositional style.

Each track is a journey through the modern and contemporary classical landscape, with Ustvolskaya's distinctive voice shining through. The performances are marked by their furious intensity and expressive depth, making this album a standout in the world of contemporary classical music. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to Ustvolskaya's work, this album offers a compelling introduction to her extraordinary oeuvre.