commissioned by Kuhmo International Chamber Music Competition
premier July 6, 2004 by several string quartets
The salient feature of the string quartet Culla d’aria is its rocking pulse, on the one hand disconsolately ethereal but on the other swelling to vigorously romantic. The Italian title means “cradle of the air”, but for a long time I mistook the cradle for a swing. Noise techniques and flageolet notes occupy an important role in creating an airy sound.
The piece had many successful performances during the competition, and later it has become one of the most played pieces of mine.
(L.W.)
available at Music Finland:
https://core.musicfinland.fi/works/culla-d-aria-6d37ebd6-58ec-4575-835d-889f97624e9a