Saariaho, Kaija: Près (Score & CD-ROM)

The score and CD-ROM for 'Près' by Kaija Saariaho.

This 1992 work by the Finnish spectral composer Kaija Saariaho is an intense and complex piece for solo Cello and electronics. The music is derived from preliminary recordings made by the composer with Cellist Anssi Karttunen, with an electronic part constructed from these recordings at IRCAM. The finished electronic realisation relies in part on real-time processing with Max/MSP, along with several external processors and triggers, the details of which are provided within the score.
Much of the notation for the Cello part has been specially devised to express the effects and unorthodox playing techniques required by the piece, and a full guide to the less familiar symbols is also provided. The Cello part is also available separately.