YTA is Swedish for 'surface'; my series of three YTA's - YTA 1 (alto flute), YTA 2 (Piano), YTA 3 (Cello)- were written with particular performers/friends in mind, and in each piece I have tried to capture and explore aspects of their virtuosity and that of their instrument.

Being a Finn, 'surfaces' are often snowy and icy, and the music reflects a sparkling, crystalline and sometimes blinding quality, just as a vibrating, shimmering surface reflects a shing light.

Although the surface of the music is extremely busy and dispenses with traditional medlody altogether, the formal process is considerably slower and partly hidden behind the frenetic stream and gleam of fast gestures.

Esa-Pekka Salonen