Released in time for the great Ukrainian composers 80th birthday on September 30, Hieroglyphen der Nacht features Valentin Silvestrovs music for solo violoncello and for two cellos. German cellist Anja Lechner has had a long association with Silvestrov, first documented on the Grammy-nominated leggiero, pesante in 2001. Lechner plays alone on several pieces and is joined by French cellist Agnès Vestermann, a frequent duo partner, to play the remaining works. Two of the works are dedicated to the performers. As so often with Silvestrov, the compositions often take the form of metaphorical conversations with composers of the past and the present. Tchaikovsky and Schumann are amongst the composers referenced here, while Lacrimosa is a reaction to music of his friend Tigran Mansurian. My own music is a response to and an echo of what already exists, says Silvestrov, viewing his oeuvre as a series of codas to music history. Hieroglyphen der Nacht was recorded at Luganos Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI, and produced by Manfred Eicher.