Kalevi Aho

Solo 17

Kalevi Aho's Solo XVII is a real clavichord work: it handles the instrument in its own special way, which is different from that of a piano or harpsichord. Solo XVII is in two main sections. The first is more dramatic and includes repeated notes and chords. It culminates in heavy clusters in the lowest register and is followed by the second, more friable second main section. This is dominated by a calm, 'unceasing' melody beginning in the highest register and gradually descending until the music finally dies away. Michael Hasel premiered Solo XVII in Wittenberg on 9 October 2021.