Totentanz

In German choral literature, Hugo Distler's works have always been considered a particular challenge. This music oscillates between fragile sensitivity and virtuoso jubilation, between sometimes downright brittle harmonies and unearthly beauty.

The composer was just 26 years old when he wrote his Totentanz in 1934. Fourteen sung reflective verses frame dialogs between death and its victims, creating a spectrum of deep mourning, eternal reference and confidence. Distler's musical language always refers to the music of the 17th century, especially Heinrich Schütz. Our concert will therefore also feature additional motets by the great Saxon master, including Selig sind die Toten (Blessed are the dead) - a direct

model for the creation of Distler's Dance of Death.

General information