Hymnus

This work is one of the seven symphonic movements originating from the second part of the monumental Sinfonie X by Dieter Schnebel. Hymnus is divided into five sections – three in faster tempos and two slower sections. The fast sections are dominated by wind and percussion and the large-scale string section takes over a leading role in the slower sections. The piano part however remains the core of the composition: ‘Hymnus is actually a sort of piano concerto attempting to continue along the lines of Mozart and Ravel: on the one hand an advancement in its ecstatic tonal quality and on the other hand, as illustrated by the slower movements, a beauty in stillness.’ (Dieter Schnebel)