Lauda (con Sordino), for cello or viola, piano and optional electric guitar, for cello or viola and piano and optional electric guitar, Score and parts

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.