Abendlied

Works for Choir and Organ

The programme for this concert combines choral music and organ works spanning five centuries to form a varied musical journey through the history of sacred music. At the heart of the concert stands the interplay between the human voice and the organ, and the way in which these two forms of expression complement, contrast with, and enrich each another. Renowned choral conductor Stephen Layton makes his debut with the Zürcher Sing-Akademie with his own choice of music that promises an entertaining yet deeply moving evening.

Hymns of Praise and Evening Music

The works of Renaissance composers Palestrina and Monteverdi embody the clarity and perfection of balance of early vocal polyphony. This tradition continued to live on through Schütz’s output, where brilliantly concise forms are infused with the emotive power of the German language. Purity of choral sound takes centre stage in this section of the programme: these pieces show a deep connection to text, yet exemplify musical transparency and fluidity of direction.

Johann Sebastian Bach’s Fantasy in G Major established the organ as a concert instrument in its own right. Its tonal diversity and the potent power of its structure provide a fascinating contrast to the vocal works at the outset of the programme, plunging deep into the late Baroque, and opening up new musical perspectives.

Emotion and Intimacy

The Romantic period brought about a musical expansion of the expressive range of choral and organ repertoire that manifests itself in a new sense of warmth, dynamic range, and emotional depth. Mendelssohn, Rheinberger, Hensel, and Brahms envelop their sacred texts with rich harmonies and with a delicate, almost chamber-like choral sonorities. The introspectively atmospheric nature of these pieces draws the listener deep into the heart of choral music.

César Franck’s Chorale No. 3 and works by Pierre Villette expand the programme into the 20th century, fusing traditional forms of sacred music with musical modernity.

Stephen Layton makes his first appearance as guest conductor of the Zürcher Sing-Akademie

Featuring the Zürcher Sing-Akademie and organist Tobias Willi, under the direction of Stephen Layton, this concert showcases the diversity of choral and organ music: from a cappella-style vocal works to the full glory of the sound world of the organ, spanning from the Renaissance to the modern era.

KLANGKREIS 18:45