david biedenbender | composer

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Premiere:
January 29, 2010 :: The Washington Kantorei, Dale Voelker, conductor :: The German Embassy, Washington, D.C.

Duration:
ca. 6:00

Instrumentation:
a cappella choir (8 part)

Score:
View Score Sample

Program Notes:
The poem Lösch mir die Augen aus (Extinguish Thou My Eyes) was written by Rainer Maria Rilke. My setting of his poem was written for Dale Voelker and Washington Kantorei for a performance at the German Embassy in Washington, D.C. It is the third in a set of three Rilke Poems for choir.

Lösch mir die Augen aus (1899)

Lösch mir die Augen aus: ich kann dich sehn,
wirf mir die Ohren zu: ich kann dich hören,
und ohne Füße kann ich zu dir gehn,
und ohne Mund noch kann ich dich beschwören.

Brich mir die Arme ab, ich fasse dich
mit meinem Herzen wie mit einer Hand,
halt mir das Herz zu, und mein Hirn wird schlagen,
und wirfst du in mein Hirn den Brand,
so werd ich dich auf meinem Blute tragen.


Extinguish Thou My Eyes (English Translation)

Extinguish Thou my eyes: I still can see Thee,
deprive my ears of sound: I still can hear Thee,
and without feet I still can come to Thee,
and without voice I still can call to Thee.

Sever my arms from me, I still will hold Thee
with all my heart as with a single hand,
arrest my heart, my brain will keep on beating,
and Should Thy fire at last my brain consume,
the flowing of my blood will carry Thee.


Purchasing Information:
Scores are $4.00 a piece (plus shipping). Payment is accepted via check or credit card. Performance materials will be mailed/emailed after payment is received. For any questions please contact David.


Performances:

04/27/2012	8:00pm :: St. Peter's Episcopal Church :: Cambridge, MA The Seraphim Singers :: conducted by Jennifer Lester :: presented by The Boston New Music Initiative
12/08/2010	Stamps Auditorium :: North Campus :: University of Michigan :: Ann Arbor, MI Jerry Blackstone and University of Michigan Chamber Choir premiere a set of 3 choral works :: text by Rainer Maria Rilke
01/29/2010	The German Embassy, Washington D.C. The Washington Kantorei :: Dale Voelker, conductor