Die Trauung

The drama Die Trauung written in 1945 in the aftermath of the Second World War explores the endangerment and seductability of individuals in a state of totalitarianism presented in the form of a dream story. The work is a type of surrealist picture puzzle depicting the experiences dreamed by the Polish soldier Henrik in a state of delirium after having been wounded on the French battlefields. He imagines himself back in his family home together with his friend Wladzio, but the familiar surroundings have assumed the characteristics of a nightmare: his parents are not dead after all; the house has become a tavern and his fiancée Mania a whore. His father who is completely entrapped in the authoritarian concepts of yesteryear is proclaimed king. A devilish whispering adviser in the guise of a drunkard encourages Henrik to depose his father, place himself on the throne and perform the long-awaited wedding ceremony. It is however Mania and Wladzio who are to be married. This prompts Henrik to order Wladzio to commit suicide to conclude the wedding with Mania as a symbol of redemption and healing. All of a sudden, the dream becomes reality: Wladzio has really committed suicide, the wedding does not take place and Henrik is left behind, devastated and alone.
Volker David Kirchner‘s avant-garde score plays with the entire gamut of linguistic and musical expression ranging from speech, shrieking, parlando and belcanto alongside electronic music, alienated musical sounds, clusters and orchestral aggressiveness. Quote-like allusions to traditional modern music are also utilised as a stylistic medium. Kirchner’s music possesses expressive density while leaving space for reflective moments.