Maya Beiser Koch International Classics, 1993 This superb young New York based cellist imbues the music of Sofia Gubaidulina and Galina Ustvolskaya with the passion for which it was written. "Seiben Worte" (Gubaidulina) is presented here as a version for organ and cello (as opposed to Wego's accordian and cello release). And, as much as I adore the Gubaidulina, I've got to give it up to the elder Ustvolskaya with her "Grand Duet for Piano & Cello" (1959). Put quite simply, this piece rocks: there a pulled and stretched screeching strings, plucked & popped piano, and forearm-smashing tone clusters. Hats off to the expert playing on this record. (Look for Beiser's excellent work on the Bang On A Can All-Stars discs). (CD) home