Bernd Alois Zimmermann's powerful "ecclesiastical action" Ich wandte mich und sah an alles Unrecht, das geschah unter der Sonne (And turning then, I saw there great injustice that is done under the heavens), completed just days before his suicide, is a bleak depiction of life without hope or meaning. Using dire texts from the book of Ecclesiastes and Dostoevsky's The Grand Inquisitor, it ends with the soloist's desolate repetitions of the phrase "Woe to him who stands alone" and an iteration of the Bach chorale "Es ist ...
Read More
Bernd Alois Zimmermann's powerful "ecclesiastical action" Ich wandte mich und sah an alles Unrecht, das geschah unter der Sonne (And turning then, I saw there great injustice that is done under the heavens), completed just days before his suicide, is a bleak depiction of life without hope or meaning. Using dire texts from the book of Ecclesiastes and Dostoevsky's The Grand Inquisitor, it ends with the soloist's desolate repetitions of the phrase "Woe to him who stands alone" and an iteration of the Bach chorale "Es ist genug." The piece is scored for two speakers, bass soloist, and a huge orchestra that's used so sparely that the textures most often resemble chamber music. It's a grim evocation of the loss and emptiness that had overtaken the composer, but also testament to the fertility of his imagination even in his darkest hour. Its tone of desolation is in stark contrast with his Violin Concerto, Zimmermann's first large success, written 20 years earlier in 1950. It has a strong melodic profile,...
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. This item has very light surface scratches that do not affect the use of the disc/s. This is a USED item and case may have light wear. All items unless otherwise noted will include disc, case, and artwork. Codes have been used. Other contents such as booklets may vary, please inquire for details. All items ship Monday-Friday within 2-3 business days.