New Music in Historic Buildings

This year, there are several anniversaries to celebrate, including the centenaries of Ingeborg Bachmann and Hans Werner Henze. Such occasions are always welcome. But even without a commemorative date, there should always be opportunities to hear New Music.

Sometimes it seems to me that organasers and audiences need a compelling “MUST” — a special occasion — before a new composition can be performed.

For the soprano Irene Kurka, I composed the solo piece “Verfinstert” (“Darkened”), based on a poem by Ingeborg Bachmann and taken from the cycle *Exil*. Irenes sensitive interpretation touches the audience directly.