Sofia Gubaidulina
Russian composer Sofia Asgatovna Gubaidulina was born in Chistopol on 24 October 1931. She discovered music aged five, and later studied composition and piano at the Kazan Conservatory, then composition with Nikolay Peyko at the Moscow Conservatory. She explored alternative tunings, and her transcendent, mystical and spiritual music became an escape from the realities of Soviet Russia. The regime called her music 'irresponsible' and 'mistaken' (although she was encouraged by Shostakovich).
In the 1980s she became well-known in the west when Gidon Kremer played Offertorium, her violin concerto, and since 1992 she has lived in Hamburg.
A selection of articles about Sofia Gubaidulina
Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - Sound Below Zero
Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - Fragments of Utopia
Classical music news. June 2022 Newsletter - Watch and listen to our June 2022 newsletter - a special feature on women composers
CD Spotlight. An Intruiguing View - Guitar music by Sofia Gubaidulina, heard by Keith Bramich. '... clear, poised and committed performances.'
CD Spotlight. A Rich Culture - Russian music from SWR Vokalensemble, appreciated by Howard Smith. '... a gift for those eager to hear voices in chorus ...'
Ensemble. Uniquely Memorable - The Kronos Quartet at the BBC Proms, heard by Malcolm Miller
CD Spotlight. Precocious and Talented - Music by Anna Bon di Venezia, heard by Ron Bierman. '... nuanced and cleanly articulated ...'
CD Spotlight. Jaw-Dropping Technique - Sharon Bezaly plays Gubaidulina, Beamish and Takano, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... a beautiful tone at any volume in any octave ...'
CD Spotlight. A great starting point - Land's End Chamber Ensemble's first CD, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... first-rate performances and excellent production.'
A perceptive pianist - Bill Newman listens to Yoo Na Noh
Record box - Raw and powerful. Keith Bramich's first impressions of the music of Sofia Gubaidulina