Barbara Buczek

Eidos

Completed in 1977, the miniature Eidos I for solo violin opens a cycle of short, but extremely complicated compositions written by Barbara Buczek at lengthy intervals of time. In each of them, the composer explores the nature of the sound and the expressive possibilities afforded by various instruments. The title (from the Greek word eídō, meaning 'I see', 'I observe') refers to the essence of things, philosophically understood as the 'ideal object of thought'.
In Eidos I, the intellectual element is combined with the emotional. The composition displays a segmentary form and a narrative character. We find here moments both atmospheric and dramatic, virtuosic figurations and cantilena lines intelligently concealed within a thicket of chords. An important role is played by changes of expression: the opening segments are to be played inquieto (restlessly), cantabile (singingly) and zeloso (zealously), then the expression switches to quasi con indifferenza (almost indifferently) and even con derisione (with derision). The work is integrated by the overall aura of its harmonies and sonorities. Particularly prominent are dissonances (sevenths, tritones, motifs of a falling second) and light textures (tremolandos, bright harmonics, glissandos, colourful transitions from sul tasto to sul ponticello. The composer employs a wide range of contemporary sound production techniques and clarifies many details with characteristic scrupulousness, such as the frequent changes of tempo, dynamics and articulation. Yet she leaves plenty of scope for the sensitivity and creative interpretation of the performers of this work, which demands both technical and artistic maturity.
Karolina Dąbek translated by John Comber.

Softcover.