The oeuvre of the German composer and musicologist Wolfgang Rihm is immense. In addition to three symphonies, nine operas, and a large number of solo and chamber music works, “Vigilia” occupies a very special place as one of the most impressive compositions in his oeuvre. This music manages to be directly accessible to both connoisseurs and less accustomed listeners of new music. Vigils are night vigils in the Catholic liturgy, which are spent in scripture readings or prayers and, in the concentration of darkness, are intended to prepare for special church festivals, especially Easter. Rihm refers to this custom and the old music-historical tradition of the responsorial cycle, as shaped, for example, by Carlo Gesualdo (1560-1613). Rihm used seven Passion texts as a textual basis, which are sung a capella by a six-member vocal ensemble. These motets are each interrupted by instrumental interludes (Sonata I-VII). In the most extensive final part (Miserere), the instrumental and vocal ensembles perform together.

Website
ensemble-phoenix.ch/#a-4875

Where
St. Pauluskirche
Steinenring 20
4051 Basel

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