Work of the Week – Valentin Silvestrov: Symphony No. 7

By Christopher Peter
4 Sep 2023

Valentin Silvestrov is widely regarded as a significant contemporary Ukrainian composer. His compositions have garnered considerable attention since the Russian invasion. The composer had to flee and seek asylum in Berlin. Silvestrov's music relates the story of his homeland and advocates for peace and solidarity. On September 6, 2023, his Symphony No. 7 will have its Finnish premiere at Musiikkitalo Helsinki. The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra will perform it on occasion of its season opening under the direction of Olari Elts.

Silvestrov calls his Symphony No. 7 "finished unfinished." This unofficial title has a significant role for him. Formally complete, the work nevertheless captures a snapshot of musical reality and reflects on what completeness and meaning mean. The notes reveal an immense amount of detailed information on various levels, revealing a fascinatingly multi-layered event. When listening, this is perceived as a hunch, but its precise realization is extremely important to the composer. The layering of dynamics, articulation, timbres and tempo fluctuations suggests not so much a flowing as a breathing and pulsing of the music.

Melodic tension and intensity: Symphony No. 7 by Valentin Silvestrov

The minimal compositional material creates a breathing and pulsating effect that encourages immersion and meditation. Silvestrov's instrumental music is marked by strong logical force, melodic tension and intensity evident in all stylistic phases.

Poetry is the salvation of what is most important, namely melody as a holistic and indispensable organism. Either this organism exists or it does not exist. I consider music - even if it is instrumental - to be a form of song. It represents not only a philosophy or worldview, but is a song of the world about itself and a musical testimony of existence. (Valentin Silvestrov)

Silvestrov's music deals with fundamental questions of life, especially about the meaning, origin and justification of human existence. In his compositions he emphasizes beauty, depth and harmony rather than conflict. Less than three weeks after its Finnish premiere, Silvestrov's Symphony No. 7 can be heard in Trondheim, Norway, on Sept. 28, 2023.