Gabriel Pierné (1863 - 1937)
"Les Enfants à Bethléem" für soloists, women's choir and orchestra (1907) - German version
The oeuvre of Gabriel Pierné, who was a contemporary of Debussy and Richard Strauss, attracted a great deal of attention during his lifetime. Six operas, several ballets, numerous songs and choral works as well as orchestral, piano, organ and chamber music bear witness to his individual approach and masterful use of the forces of vocal soloists, choir and orchestra.
The oratorio "Les Enfants à Bethléem", whose text was written by the poet Gabriel Nigond, tells the Christmas story from the perspective of shepherd children. They - embodied by the women's choir - take center stage and experience both the Christmas star, which heralds the events in the stable, and the appearance of the Three Wise Men, who were also guided to the Holy Family by the star. They all meet Mary and the baby Jesus, as well as the ox and donkey, which complete the Christmas picture. A narrator provides the spoken word, but the action is driven forward by the choir and soloists.
The colorful score contains both modal text-related sections and shimmering impressionistic soundscapes that create a mystical atmosphere and surround the singers and audience.
Excerpt from the concert of the MonteverdiChor Würzburg on December 10, 2023 in the Neubaukirche Würzburg.
Anna Feith | Soprano
Maina Takeda | Soprano
Mechtild Söffler | Soprano
Rebecca Suta | Soprano
Barbara Bräckelmann | Alto
Michael Ha | Tenor
Stefan Stoll | Bass
Jenaer Philharmonie
MonteverdiChor Würzburg
Conductor: Matthias Beckert
2 мар 2024
