A Little Duo

This short duet by contemporary Russian composer Nikolai Kapustin has a driving syncopated rhythm and edgy harmonic palette. Kapustin makes good use of both the cello’s rich sonority and its more hard-edged character to underpin the flute’s almost incessant virtuosic outpourings. There is tense rhythmic interplay between the instruments, making it a hugely enjoyable piece for two ambitious performers, as well as for any audience.