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Works

Salvatore Sciarrino
Quartetto n.7
(1999)
for String quartet


Length: 12:00
Editor: Ricordi
1� Performance: Reggio Emilia - Teatro Romolo Valli - Concorso Borciani - 06/2000

The elaboration of a vocal style has been one of the objectives which I have most consciously imposed on myself. I have spent approximately ten years in this undertaking, and the same again for verifying the consequences of the results.
The voice must be freed from the lifeless imitation of instruments, from gauche genericness; above all, singing must be given back all its vigour without returning to old foregone motifs: these produce a superficial pleasantness which is the reverse of expressiveness.
Recently I wanted to apply my small vocal achievements to instruments. The story of Quartetto n. 7 (compulsory piece at the Borciani Competition) is therefore a verification in the opposite direction. I wanted, in fact, to avoid the virtuoso aspect innate in the concept of competition, following the intimate and declaimed tradition which Beethoven inaugurated in his Adagios. It was an unexpected choice of mine and may well have surprised some people. In effect my music is poles apart from virtuosity. I ask for always greater responsibility on the part of the performer, this is the crux and the principal difficulty: the rest is only a consequence. I would like every performer to achieve things which are not possible for others. Let us be quite clear, I am not talking of miracles. Transform oneself, the place and who is listening is the minimal level of interpretation; if this magic does not occur, it is useless to play because the therapeutic force, characteristic of music, is lacking. Expression and direct involvement are the basis. Each one of us has something to say. Otherwise how could certain street musicians fascinate?
Compete with oneself, better oneself. Seek the other self.
Legend narrates that Orpheus tamed wild animals, moved even rocks: he crossed the barriers of life. Can you imagine anything more absurd than if he had wanted merely to show his bravura or, worse still, limited himself to the notes?
(Salvatore Sciarrino)