Petals is a piece of spectral music composed by Kaija Saariaho for cello and live electronics.
This piece relies on two opposite themes which organize it into two contrasting sections: fragile coloristic passages and more energetic events with clear rhythmic and melodic character.
The coloristic sections are marked with tempo lento and sempre legatissimo; have harmonics, glissandos and trills; the dynamics are quieter; have long note values and bow pressure is used.
On the other hand, the more energetic sections have a higher number of bpm; have microtonal and chromatic runs; have louder dynamics; shorter note values; are rhythmically very complex and make greater use of reverb and harmoniser effects.
[1][2] Petals uses three types of textures: Kaija Saariaho's intentions did not revolve around pitch organisation in this piece, therefore it is atonal.