Bryars, Gavin: Lauda (con sordino)

for cello or viola, piano and optional electric guitar

In 2001, Gavin Bryars began writing a number of pieces based on a large collection of 13th century semi-religious songs, known as 'Lauda', which would have been sung outside churches and in other public places. To date, Bryars has written around 40 of his own 'laude' for a variety of instrumentations including solo voice, voices and ensemble and even choir. Lauda (con sordino) was written in 2002 as a purely instrumental version and although it has been reinvented for the present day, it retains the purity and austerity of the original style. This is a stunningly beautiful work and a perfect introduction to the sound world of Gavin Bryars.