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Kent Nagano Conducts the World Premiere of Jörg Widmann’s Cantata in tempore belli in Hamburg

Jan. 31, 2025

On February 2, Jörg Widmann’s Cantata in tempore belli ("Cantata in times of war") will be premiered at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg. Conducted by Kent Nagano, the Philharmonic State Orchestra Hamburg will be joined for the performance by mezzo-soprano Ida Aldrian, narrator Jens Harzer, and the Ukrainian Lyatoshynsky Capella. This new work stands as a powerful musical statement against war and for peace.

Cantata in tempore belli incorporates Biblical texts, poems by Hölderlin, Logau, and Claudius, as well as the famous pacifist appeal "Say No!" by Wolfgang Borchert. Widmann notes:

"In light of the global political situation, it is impossible for me to create a purely abstract and ‘beautiful’ work. The horrific wars of our time and the unspeakable suffering of so many individuals leave me no other choice than to transform war itself into a theme. In times when voices in our own nation also demand that we again become ‘proficient in war,’ it is all the more important for me to compose a passionate appeal for peace. Alongside texts from the Bible and poetic fragments by Hölderlin, Logau and Matthias Claudius, the pacifistic appeal: ‘Say no!’ by the Hamburg poet Wolfgang Borcher – who died far too prematurely – plays a central role. May this cantata offer us consolation and act as a call for peace."

The cantata as a musical form bridges oratorio and song. Widmann has explored this genre in recent years, notably with his Peace Cantata composed for the St. Thomas Boys Choir in 2023. Both works highlight music’s ability to address timeless themes like peace and humanity.

Listen to Jörg Widmann's Con brio (2008):

The WDR Symphony Orchestra performs Jörg Widmann's Con brio conducted by the composer

To learn more about Jörg Widmann, visit schott-music.com.

Jörg Widmann
Cantata in tempore belli (2024)
for alto, narrator, choir, organ and orchestra
based on texts by Friedrich Hölderlin, Friedrich von Logau, Matthias Claudius, Wolfgang Borchert and from the Bible
2(2.pic).2(2.eh).2(2bcl).2.cbn-4.3.3.1-timp-3perc-hp-cel-org-str(10.8.6.6.6)
45'
View the score

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