DESCRIPTION:
RARA (eco sierologico), for cello (1967)

Horst Hornung, cello

This piece, for cello, is one of those for five solo instruments, which together form "RARA (eco sierologico)" and which are superimposed on one another in a sixth combined rendering to conclude a special form of ritual performance. The subtitle "eco sierologico" (literally: serological echo) is reminiscent of the therapeutic procedure whereby medication is withdrawn to allow the organism to reestablish itself between two courses of treatment and the doctor to determine the effect. Here that corresponds to the interruptions to which the listener is subjected between the six performances and also, it would appear to us, to the relationships of duration and substance within and between the five pieces. The work thus forces the exponent into an attitude of dependence within a framework of independence, since each soloist must follow the other variation "in spirit" (first sequence) and must also perform his part simultaneously with the other solo parts (last sequence).

Like each of the other variations, the variation for cello is, in its original version, a microcosm of the ensemble. The various forms of pizzicato to which the first sequence is limited are to be found in it; the "leads, which are drawn out for as long as possible, the contrasts in tone-colour and the sweeping dynamics, which necessitate the extreme concentration of the exponent", which characterise the second sequence; "the greatest possible number of natural harmonies" of the short central phrase of the third sequence; the "static and timeless tonal form" of the fourth, etc.

The third sequence begins and ends with two passages which introduce non-musical actions, the first in the form of sighs or "audible" silence, the second by following the freer fantasies of graphic symbols and leaving room for extensive use of personal initiative on the part of the interpreter. In the version which he has chosen for this record, Horst Hornung, complying with the dynamic directions in the score, has realised an entire sequence of superimposed conversations, together with quotations from other works of Bussotti, and in particular sighs and silence from "La Passion selon Sade". The work thus attains a youthful freshness and spontaneity which reminds one of certain experiments in pop music.

In a concert performance, the four pages of the score are to be arranged on the stand in such a way that the audience can read the title of the work in large lettering on the reverse side of the score. RARA (eco sierologico) was composed from 1964-1967 and is dedicated to Francesco Galla. [Wergo 60048]

Art by Louise Bourgeois