Immerse yourself in the hauntingly beautiful world of Hugo Distler's "Dance of Death," a captivating album that blends the sacred and the macabre in a unique musical journey. Released on June 21, 2024, under the CD Accord label, this collection spans a concise yet impactful 64 minutes, offering a profound exploration of life, death, and the human condition.
The album opens with Distler's "2 Motets, Op. 74," setting a contemplative tone before delving into the centerpiece of the collection: the "Totentanz, Op. 12 No. 2." Narrated in English, this chilling yet mesmerizing work presents a series of dialogues between Death and various figures from all walks of life. Each encounter is a poignant reflection on mortality, delivered with Distler's signature blend of lyrical beauty and dramatic intensity.
Interspersed among these narratives are two additional gems: the serene "Flute Partita in A Minor, BWV 1013: III. Sarabande" and the haunting "Geistliche Gesänge, Op. 110: No. 3, O Tod, wie bitter bist du." These pieces provide moments of respite and reflection, highlighting Distler's versatility and depth as a composer.
Hugo Distler, a prominent figure in 20th-century German music, is known for his innovative approach to choral and instrumental composition. His works often draw from the rich traditions of the past while embracing the complexities of the modern world. "Dance of Death" is a testament to his ability to craft music that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving.
Whether you're a longtime admirer of Distler's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album offers a compelling introduction to his unique artistic vision. Prepare to be enthralled by the intricate interplay of voices and instruments, and the profound themes that lie at the heart of this extraordinary collection.
This LP was released in 1975.
Tracks
2 Motets, Op. 74: No. 1, Warum ist das Licht gegeben dem MühseligenJohannes Brahms, Lionel Sow, NFM Choir
Totentanz, Op. 12 No. 2 (Narrated in English): No. 1, Erster Spruch. Der TodHugo Distler, Lionel Sow, NFM Choir, Willard White, Jan Krzeszowiec
Totentanz, Op. 12 No. 2 (Narrated in English): No. 2, Zweiter Spruch. Der KaiserHugo Distler, Lionel Sow, NFM Choir, Willard White, Jan Krzeszowiec
Totentanz, Op. 12 No. 2 (Narrated in English): No. 3, Dritter Spruch. Der BischofHugo Distler, Lionel Sow, NFM Choir, Willard White, Jan Krzeszowiec
Totentanz, Op. 12 No. 2 (Narrated in English): No. 4, Vierter Spruch. Der EdelmannHugo Distler, Lionel Sow, NFM Choir, Willard White, Jan Krzeszowiec
Totentanz, Op. 12 No. 2 (Narrated in English): No. 5, Fünfter Spruch. Der ArztHugo Distler, Lionel Sow, NFM Choir, Willard White, Jan Krzeszowiec
Totentanz, Op. 12 No. 2 (Narrated in English): No. 6, Sechster Spruch. Der KaufmannHugo Distler, Lionel Sow, NFM Choir, Willard White, Jan Krzeszowiec
Totentanz, Op. 12 No. 2 (Narrated in English): No. 7, Siebter Spruch. Der LandsknechtHugo Distler, Lionel Sow, NFM Choir, Willard White, Jan Krzeszowiec
Totentanz, Op. 12 No. 2 (Narrated in English): No. 8, Achter Spruch. Der SchifferHugo Distler, Lionel Sow, NFM Choir, Willard White, Jan Krzeszowiec
Totentanz, Op. 12 No. 2 (Narrated in English): No. 9, Neunter Spruch. Der KlausnerHugo Distler, Lionel Sow, NFM Choir, Willard White, Jan Krzeszowiec
Totentanz, Op. 12 No. 2 (Narrated in English): No. 10, Zehnter Spruch. Der BauerHugo Distler, Lionel Sow, NFM Choir, Willard White, Jan Krzeszowiec
Totentanz, Op. 12 No. 2 (Narrated in English): No. 11, Elfter Spruch. Die JungfrauHugo Distler, Lionel Sow, NFM Choir, Willard White, Jan Krzeszowiec
Totentanz, Op. 12 No. 2 (Narrated in English): No. 12, Zwölfter Spruch. Der GreisHugo Distler, Lionel Sow, NFM Choir, Willard White, Jan Krzeszowiec
Totentanz, Op. 12 No. 2 (Narrated in English): No. 13, Deizehnter Spruch. Das KindHugo Distler, Lionel Sow, NFM Choir, Willard White, Jan Krzeszowiec
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