Grand Duet for Cello and Piano

Grand Duet for cello and piano, composed in 1959. Despite its title, the work is not gentle or decorative: it is one of Ustvolskaya's most physically imposing works, making extraordinary demands on both performers. The piano part is often more orchestral than pianistic, with hammered chords and extreme dynamic levels that push the instrument to its limits; the cello is required to sing against this almost unrelenting density. Shostakovich, who was deeply affected by Ustvolskaya's music, described this work with admiration. It is approximately 25 minutes in performance.