DER TURM ZU BABEL / EXPOSITION OF NEW MUSIC

MEREDITH MONK Three Heavens and Hells

MAURICIO KAGEL Der Turm zu Babel ^{Czech premiere}

JOHN CAGE Song Books

Eva Šušková singing, choirmaster
Peter Mazalán singing, scenic realization
Schola minor (Sylvia Urdová, Júlia Urdová, Katarína Ďurdinová, Dominika Hanko, Lenka Deáková)

 

The performance of this singing duo often goes beyond the scope of traditional chamber concerts, the performers use the diverse possibilities of the architecture of the places in which they perform.

Kagel’s vocal work The Tower of Babel (Der Turm zu Babel) is a cycle of masterful depictions of a passage from the Old Testament in seventeen language variations. Constant allusions to the cultural and social mannerism of individual nationalities balance on the edge of naivety and perfection, kitsch and sophisticated music.

In contrast, the vocal cycle Three Heavens and Hells, based on textual designs created by children, is a clear counterpoint to Kagel’s composition on multiple levels. Meredith Monk calls for an interpretation with a “clean, clear and concrete tone” without the classic vocal vibrato, but on the other hand, he also makes extensive use of extended vocal techniques.

The performance of Kagel’s composition is again adapted to the new space. Combining a traditional concert situation with wandering around the architectural nooks and crannies of the Besední dom will bring an unusual experience to the listeners.