This album of chamber music is the first in a series of ECM releases by Valentin Silvestrov, intended to spotlight the work of this important Ukrainian composer in the months and years to come. The pieces on the present recording - made with the participation of the composer - were written between 1974 and 2001. Inspired performances by Anja Lechner and Silke Avenhaus, Maacha Deubner and the Rosamunde Quartett bring out the highly individual lyricism and melodic feeling at the heart of Silvestrov's music. Silvestrov himself adds the "final caesura", with his tender piano performance of his "Hymn 2001". 　　Recorded 2001 　　 　　Personnel: Valentin Silvestrov (piano), Anja Lechner (cello), Silke Avenhaus (piano), Simon Fordham (violin), Maacha Deubner (soprano), Rosamunde Quartett