Rilke-Gesänge

The five songs, written for a singer friend, cover an arc from the self-confident Spanish Dancer to seasonal and naturalistic reflections (Autumn Day, The Panther) to the touching observation of a woman Growing Blind, and finally to the philosophical reflection Hier sei uns Alles Heimat [Be all that's here our home]. Setting Rilke's complex poetry to music is a challenge for every composer (and interpreter). Martin Christoph Redel traces the changing mood stages, e.g. through associations with Iberian folklore (Spanish Dancer), monotonous circling of unchanging harmonic sequences (The Panther) or sparsest accompagnato as in a prayer recitative (Hier sei uns Alles Heimat).