In Severade, the Dutch-Ukrainian composer Maxim Shalygin combines emotional folklore and rational Western music traditions to create an intense sonic experience. Written for Cello Octet Amsterdam and cellist Maya Fridman, this new work features eight acoustic cellos and specially designed instruments. The instruments, built by artist Rob van den Broek, are mechanically driven, adding a unique texture to the performance. Severade merges the Russian word for "north" (Sever) with "serenade", evoking the image of love songs drifting over the wild North Sea. The piece was recorded live during November Music 2021.