Unter dem Schnee

With Unter dem Schnee Anno Schreier presents a work for flute, oboe, viola d’amore, violoncello and harpsichord, which refers to a historical event in the High Fens. The starting point is the story of the so-called Cross of the Betrothed, which commemorates the fate of a young couple from Jalhay: François Reiff and Marie Solheid died in a snowstorm on their way to Xhoffraix in the winter of 1871. Months later, their bodies were found; a wooden cross was erected at the site, which remains a place of remembrance to this day.

The work takes up the elements of this story – the wintry landscape of the moorland near the German-Belgian border, the threat of the forces of nature and the silent tragedy of the events. It sees itself as a musical approach to the historical event and as a reflection on love, nature, death and memory.

The poems by Alexander Jansen are an integral part of the concept. Texts and pieces of music are to be performed alternately, starting with the first text. Alternatively, the music pieces can also be played without the texts.

Under the Snow is aimed at chamber ensembles who want to create literary-musical programs, as well as organizers who want to present historical material in a reflective concert format. The special instrumentation opens up differentiated tonal possibilities between winds, strings and harpsichord.