Gubaidulina’s String Quartet No.4

recreation of traditions in a new musical context

Abstract

This study examines Sofia Gubaidulina's exploration of traditional musical idioms in her String Quartet No.4. Together with influences of Baroque and Renaissance musical styles, the composer experiments with the accommodation of minimalist repetitive musical texture and the European tradition of ground bass, providing a different kind of musical synthesis. Gubaidulina also explores new possibilities in several musical and technical aspects. Unexpected timbres are created in the music, providing a unique sonic experience.