Rustem is a piece commissioned by the Duo Kitharsis from Rumania. Inspired by the Rumanian and Balkan folklore, I made this piece in a loose form that consists of several different sections fused into a sort of symphonic poem for two guitars. Guitar techniques are very much influenced by the strumming techniques of the tambur and the Rumanian cymbalom, which is often used here. The first part is an introductory quasi-improvised part followed by a contrapuntal section based on the ricercar form. Further on are two dance movements; the first is based on north Macedonian asymmetric meter and the final is on the famous Rumanian folk dance called Rustem in triple time. Overall, the composition is a stylistic hybrid of world music and contemporary classical.
