Wolfgang Rihm zum 70. Geburtstag
Rihm
Without a safety net or a false bottom
Wolfgang Rihm is by far the most prolific contemporary German composer. Channelling his phenomenal creative power, the Karlsruhe composer has written around 600 works to date. In his works, New Music becomes a thrilling and unrivalled sound experience. Nothing is predictable, nothing is composed merely for the sake of effect. The complex and the beautiful are never opposites in Rihm’s works and – thanks to their incredible vitality – they move even those who usually prefer to keep New Music at arm’s length. As a gift to mark his 70th birthday, which he celebrated in March 2022, this concert, featuring »Abschiedsstücke« and the »Séraphin« Concerto, is dedicated entirely to Rihm’s work. Ensemble Modern, which will be performing under the composer and conductor Enno Poppe on this evening, premiered »Abschiedsstücke« 30 years ago.
Behind the title »Séraphin« there hides an entire family of works, to which Rihm kept adding new members over the years. The »Séraphin« Concerto is a central offshoot in this vibrant musical growth, and is just as wild as it is powerful. »It’s becoming increasingly clear to me that I don’t compose by taking action, but that I’m expressing states of music whenever I write something down«, says Rihm about his work. Working in this way is only possible in direct speech, he says, »without safeguards, safety nets or false floors«.
Performers
Ensemble Modern
Keren Motseri soprano
conductor Enno Poppe
Programme
Wolfgang Rihm
Abschiedsstücke für Frauenstimme und kleines Orchester
Concerto »Séraphin« für 16 Spieler
Subscription
State of the Art
Series
NDR das neue werk
Spotlight
Wolfgang Rihm