Among composers in Soviet Russia, Sofia Gubaidulina was able to tackle more experimental forms of music, leading to the use of serial techniques and electronic devices.

Instrumental Music

Gubaidulina’s Seven Words draws on Christian inspiration, as does the symbolism of In Croce. Here, as in Silenzio, she makes use of a solo cello, and scores also for the traditional Russian accordion, the bayan. Her music in general retains a strong Russian element, without the aridity that can inform the music of the avant-garde.