Always eager to explore new sounds Gubaidulina often uses unconventional instruments, unusual ensemble compositions and equally unusual ways of playing.
One of the instruments that often features in her music is the bayan, the Russian button accordion. Not without reason, as Gubaidulina is herself a gifted bayan player. In Fachwerk the bayan has the lead part. The title refers to the timber frame houses of the Middle Ages, which are examples of robust craftsmanship but also have enormous charm – as do the bayan and this remarkable composition.
Impromptu, a double concerto for flute, violin and string ensemble, is a tribute to Schubert, more specifically to his Impromptu opus 90 No. 4 for piano. It was written on the occasion of his 200th birthday.