The bandoneon is mainly used in the genre of the tango. Characteristic
features of the bandoneon player are improvisation, a feeling for spontaneity
along with empathy. Every motif, every intonation is not only simply performed
but rather consciously experienced. The unusually exact finger- and bellow-articulation
contributes to the picturesque presentation of the tango. It is said that
by listening to all tangos of Argentina one can create a picture of the
country's history. Whatever happened in this country - even political
events - Argentine composers reacted and react with the composition of
yet another tango, expressing their feelings and attitudes. Over the last
years the art of playing the bandoneon has attracted an increasing number
of followers in European countries.
The works of R. Shedrin - one of Russia's most important and prominent
contemporary composers - destinguish themselves by their colourful melodies
and their humour.
S. Gubaidulina is an important contemporary composer in Russia. She composed
numerous works for symphony orchestras, chamber- and vocal music. In the
80ies her work achieved international recognition and fame. The works
she composed for the bajan include "De profundis" (1978), Partita for
bajan, violoncello and strings, "Seven Words" (1982), "Et exspecto" -
sonata in 5 movements (1986) and "Silenzio" for bajan, violin and violoncelo
(1992).
"De profundis" was inspired by the well known religious psalm "From the
depths of my despair I call to you, Lord". Not only in each episode
but in the entire work one can follow - from the beginning to the end
- the yearning of the musical score. As it often occurs in the work of
Gubaidulina, the clean-cut chorale is contrasted by full-sounding cluster-harmonies.
From the artistic point of view, this piece became a major event, not
only in bajan-music.
