The double bass is the focus of this collection of music by Sofia Gubaidulina presented here in powerful interpretations by Daniele Roccato. Written over a...

The double bass is the focus of this collection of music by Sofia Gubaidulina presented here in powerful interpretations by Daniele Roccato. Written over a span of over forty years, these compositions have become staples of the double bass literature. In Pantomime, one immediately senses a certain theatricality, which is evoked by melodic contours, dramatic pauses and dynamic progressions. Originally written for cello, the Preludes were later arranged for double bass. For in Croce, Gubaidulina pairs the bass with a bayan, (a Russian accordion). The work was inspired by the composer's experiments in improvisation using either ancient or folk instruments. Roccato is accompanied by pianist Fabrizio Ottaviucci and bayan player Massimiliano Pitocco.