Gubaidulina, Sofia (1931– )

Russian composer. In 1975 she co-founded the group Astreya, for improvisations on folk instruments from Russia and Caucasia. A leading member of the New Music generation of Russian composers, she has often turned to literature and religion for inspiration. She has been resident in Germany since 1991, the year in which her opera-oratorio-ballet Prayer for the Age of Aquarius was premiered.

She studied at the Moscow Conservatory 1954–59 and later with Vissarion Shebalin.

Works Orchestral Offertorium violin concerto (1980–86), Seven Words for cello, bayan, and strings (1982), Stimmen ... verstummen symphony in 12 movements (1986), Pro et Contra for large orchestra (1989).

Vocal Night in Memphis cantata (1968–92), Rubayat cantata for baritone and orchestra (1969), Perception for soprano, baritone, and seven strings (1985), Hommage à T S Eliot for soprano and octet (1987), Aus dem Stundenbuch/From the Book of Hours for cello, orchestra, male chorus, and female speaker (1991).

Chamber piano sonata (1965), four string quartets (1971, 1987, 1987, 1990), De Profundis for bayan (1978), Garten von freuden und Traurigkeiten for flute, harp, and viola (1988), string trio (1988), Silenzio five pieces for bayan, violin, and cello (1991), Even and Uneven for seven percussionists (1991).