Rilke-Gesange, Op. 99 Mezzo-Soprano and Piano Mezzo-Soprano

The five chants, written for a singer friend of mine, span an arc that starts with the self-confident Spanish dancer, through seasonal and naturalistic observations (autumn day, The Panther) to the touching observation of a blind woman, and finally with the philosophical reflection Here is everything Home ends. Putting Rilke's complex poetry into music is a challenge for every composer (and performer). Martin Christoph Redel traces the changing moods; B. through associations with Iberian folklore (Spanish dancer), monotonous circles of constant harmony sequences (The Panther) or the most economical accompaniment as in a prayer recitative (Here be everything to us).