Pecking Chickens and Sunken Cathedrals - Summer Music for a Drunken Journey
A one-legged chauffeur. A seedy music critic. An ingenious, irascible pianist. And a law student who has no clue about anything. These four men squeeze themselves into a cramped Fiat Panda and race dangerously for a whole day through the Alps, spouting off about God, the world, and time and again about music, and throwing back a lot of wine and Tirol schnapps. They travel against the sun’s downfall - and maybe also against their own. Playlist curated by Albrecht Selge.
Read more…- Strauss • Eine Alpensinfonie op. 64 TrV 233Eine Alpensinfonie op. 64 TrV 233Franz Welser-Möst, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen RundfunksLive2010, München, Herkulessaal
- Bach • Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), Book I BWV 846-869 • BWV 869 • Prelude No. 24 in B minorMaria Yudina (Piano)1951
- Liszt • Bagatelle sans tonalité S 216a • Allegretto mosso
- Schubert • An Schwager Kronos op. 19/1 D 369 • Spute dich, KronosAn Schwager Kronos op. 19/1 D 369
Spute dich, KronosDietrich Fischer-Dieskau (Baritone), Jörg Demus (Piano)1959, Berlin, Studio Lankwitz - Liszt • Études d'exécution transcendante S 139 • Etude No. 8 in C minor "Wilde Jagd"Études d'exécution transcendante S 139
Etude No. 8 in C minor "Wilde Jagd"Miroslav Kultyshev (Piano)March 2007, Saint Petersburg, Evangelisch-lutheransiche Kirche St. Katharina, St. Petersburg - Schumann • Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood) op. 15 • 5. Glückes genugKinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood) op. 15
5. Glückes genugYves Nat (Piano)1952, Salle Adyar - Mendelssohn Bartholdy • Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words) op. 19b MWV SD 5 • 6. Andante sostenuto in G minor (MWV U 78) "Venetian Boat Song"Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words) op. 19b MWV SD 5
6. Andante sostenuto in G minor (MWV U 78) "Venetian Boat Song"Ginette Doyen (Piano)1952 - 1953, Wien, Konzerthaus - Shostakovich • String Quartet No. 15 in E flat minor op. 144 (1974) • I. Elegy. AdagioString Quartet No. 15 in E flat minor op. 144 (1974)
I. Elegy. AdagioPacifica Quartet
Simin Ganatra (Violin), Sibbi Bernhardsson (Violin), Masumi Per Rostad (Viola), Brandon Vamos (Violoncello)August 2013, Bloomington, Indiana University, Auer Hall - Shostakovich • String Quartet No. 15 in E flat minor op. 144 (1974) • II. Serenade. AdagioString Quartet No. 15 in E flat minor op. 144 (1974)
II. Serenade. AdagioPacifica Quartet
Simin Ganatra (Violin), Sibbi Bernhardsson (Violin), Masumi Per Rostad (Viola), Brandon Vamos (Violoncello)August 2013, Bloomington, Indiana University, Auer Hall - Shostakovich • String Quartet No. 15 in E flat minor op. 144 (1974) • III. Intermezzo. AdagioString Quartet No. 15 in E flat minor op. 144 (1974)
III. Intermezzo. AdagioPacifica Quartet
Simin Ganatra (Violin), Sibbi Bernhardsson (Violin), Masumi Per Rostad (Viola), Brandon Vamos (Violoncello)August 2013, Bloomington, Indiana University, Auer Hall - Shostakovich • String Quartet No. 15 in E flat minor op. 144 (1974) • IV. Nocturne. AdagioString Quartet No. 15 in E flat minor op. 144 (1974)
IV. Nocturne. AdagioPacifica Quartet
Simin Ganatra (Violin), Sibbi Bernhardsson (Violin), Masumi Per Rostad (Viola), Brandon Vamos (Violoncello)August 2013, Bloomington, Indiana University, Auer Hall - Shostakovich • String Quartet No. 15 in E flat minor op. 144 (1974) • V. Funeral March. Adagio moltoString Quartet No. 15 in E flat minor op. 144 (1974)
V. Funeral March. Adagio moltoPacifica Quartet
Simin Ganatra (Violin), Sibbi Bernhardsson (Violin), Masumi Per Rostad (Viola), Brandon Vamos (Violoncello)August 2013, Bloomington, Indiana University, Auer Hall - Shostakovich • String Quartet No. 15 in E flat minor op. 144 (1974) • VI. Epilogue. AdagioString Quartet No. 15 in E flat minor op. 144 (1974)
VI. Epilogue. AdagioPacifica Quartet
Simin Ganatra (Violin), Sibbi Bernhardsson (Violin), Masumi Per Rostad (Viola), Brandon Vamos (Violoncello)August 2013, Bloomington, Indiana University, Auer Hall - Schubert • Winterreise op. 89 D 911 • 1. Gute NachtWinterreise op. 89 D 911
1. Gute NachtHans Hotter (Bass-baritone), Gerald Moore (Piano)1954, London, Abbey Road Studio No. 1 - Szymanowski • Stabat Mater op. 53 (1925-1926) • 1. Stała Matka bolejąca (Stabat mater dolorosa) (Soprano, Chorus)Stabat Mater op. 53 (1925-1926)
1. Stała Matka bolejąca (Stabat mater dolorosa) (Soprano, Chorus)Jadwiga Gadulanka (Soprano), Jadwiga Rappé (Alto), Andrzej Hiolski (Baritone), Antoni Wit
Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Polish Radio Choir℗ 2013 - Szymanowski • Stabat Mater op. 53 (1925-1926) • 2. I któż widział tak cierpiącą (Quis est homo qui non fleret) (Baritone, Chorus)Stabat Mater op. 53 (1925-1926)
2. I któż widział tak cierpiącą (Quis est homo qui non fleret) (Baritone, Chorus)Jadwiga Gadulanka (Soprano), Jadwiga Rappé (Alto), Andrzej Hiolski (Baritone), Antoni Wit
Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Polish Radio Choir℗ 2013 - Szymanowski • Stabat Mater op. 53 (1925-1926) • 3. O Matko Źródło Wszechmiłości (O, Eia, Mater, fons amoris) (Soprano, Contralto, Chorus)Stabat Mater op. 53 (1925-1926)
3. O Matko Źródło Wszechmiłości (O, Eia, Mater, fons amoris) (Soprano, Contralto, Chorus)Jadwiga Gadulanka (Soprano), Jadwiga Rappé (Alto), Andrzej Hiolski (Baritone), Antoni Wit
Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Polish Radio Choir℗ 2013 - Szymanowski • Stabat Mater op. 53 (1925-1926) • 4. Spraw niech płaczę z Tobą razem (Fac me tecum pie flere) (Soprano, Contralto, Chorus)Stabat Mater op. 53 (1925-1926)
4. Spraw niech płaczę z Tobą razem (Fac me tecum pie flere) (Soprano, Contralto, Chorus)Jadwiga Gadulanka (Soprano), Jadwiga Rappé (Alto), Andrzej Hiolski (Baritone), Antoni Wit
Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Polish Radio Choir℗ 2013 - Szymanowski • Stabat Mater op. 53 (1925-1926) • 5. Panno słodka racz mozołem (Virgo virginum praeclara) (Baritone, Chorus)Stabat Mater op. 53 (1925-1926)
5. Panno słodka racz mozołem (Virgo virginum praeclara) (Baritone, Chorus)Jadwiga Gadulanka (Soprano), Jadwiga Rappé (Alto), Andrzej Hiolski (Baritone), Antoni Wit
Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Polish Radio Choir℗ 2013 - Szymanowski • Stabat Mater op. 53 (1925-1926) • 6. Chrystus niech mi będzie grodem (Christe, cum sit hinc exire) (Soprano, Contralto, Baritone, Chorus)Stabat Mater op. 53 (1925-1926)
6. Chrystus niech mi będzie grodem (Christe, cum sit hinc exire) (Soprano, Contralto, Baritone, Chorus)Jadwiga Gadulanka (Soprano), Jadwiga Rappé (Alto), Andrzej Hiolski (Baritone), Antoni Wit
Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Polish Radio Choir℗ 2013 - Schubert • Winterreise op. 89 D 911 • 5. Der LindenbaumWinterreise op. 89 D 911
5. Der LindenbaumHans Hotter (Bass-baritone), Gerald Moore (Piano)1957, London, Abbey Road Studio No. 1 - Bach • Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), Book I BWV 846-869 • BWV 848 • Prelude No. 3 in C sharp major
- Bach • Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), Book I BWV 846-869 • BWV 869 • Prelude No. 24 in B minorBernard Roberts (Piano)℗ 1999
- Bach • Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), Book I BWV 846-869 • BWV 869 • Fugue No. 24 in B minor
- Bach • Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), Book I BWV 846-869 • BWV 847 • Prelude No. 2 in C minor
- Bach • Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), Book I BWV 846-869 • BWV 847 • Fugue No. 2 in C minor
- Bach • Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), Book I BWV 846-869 • BWV 853 • Prelude No. 8 in E flat minor
- Bach • Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), Book I BWV 846-869 • BWV 853 • Fugue No. 8 in D sharp minor
- Bach • Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), Book I BWV 846-869 • BWV 861 • Prelude No. 16 in G minor
- Bach • Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), Book I BWV 846-869 • BWV 861 • Fugue No. 16 in G minor
- Bach • Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), Book I BWV 846-869 • BWV 867 • Prelude No. 22 in B flat minor
- Bach • Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), Book I BWV 846-869 • BWV 867 • Fugue No. 22 in B flat minor
- Bach • Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), Book I BWV 846-869 • BWV 862 • Prelude No. 17 in A flat major
- Bach • Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), Book I BWV 846-869 • BWV 862 • Fugue No. 17 in A flat major
- Schoenberg • Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911) • 1. Leicht, zartPer Tengstrand (Piano)℗ 2011
- Schoenberg • Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911) • 2. LangsamPer Tengstrand (Piano)℗ 2011
- Schoenberg • Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911) • 3. Sehr langsamPer Tengstrand (Piano)℗ 2011
- Schoenberg • Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911) • 4. Rasch, aber leichtPer Tengstrand (Piano)℗ 2011
- Schoenberg • Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911) • 5. Etwas raschPer Tengstrand (Piano)℗ 2011
- Schoenberg • Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911) • 6. Sehr langsamPer Tengstrand (Piano)℗ 2011
- Schubert • Moments musicaux op. 94 D 780 • No. 1 in C major. ModeratoMoments musicaux op. 94 D 780
No. 1 in C major. ModeratoMartin Helmchen (Piano)2007, Köln, Deutschlandfunk, Kammermusiksaal - Schubert • Moments musicaux op. 94 D 780 • No. 2 in A flat major. AndantinoMoments musicaux op. 94 D 780
No. 2 in A flat major. AndantinoMartin Helmchen (Piano)2007, Köln, Deutschlandfunk, Kammermusiksaal - Schubert • Moments musicaux op. 94 D 780 • No. 3 in F minor. Allegro moderatoMoments musicaux op. 94 D 780
No. 3 in F minor. Allegro moderatoMartin Helmchen (Piano)2007, Köln, Deutschlandfunk, Kammermusiksaal - Schubert • Moments musicaux op. 94 D 780 • No. 4 in C sharp minor. ModeratoMoments musicaux op. 94 D 780
No. 4 in C sharp minor. ModeratoMartin Helmchen (Piano)2007, Köln, Deutschlandfunk, Kammermusiksaal - Schubert • Moments musicaux op. 94 D 780 • No. 5 in F minor. Allegro vivaceMoments musicaux op. 94 D 780
No. 5 in F minor. Allegro vivaceMartin Helmchen (Piano)2007, Köln, Deutschlandfunk, Kammermusiksaal - Schubert • Moments musicaux op. 94 D 780 • No. 6 in A flat major. AllegrettoMoments musicaux op. 94 D 780
No. 6 in A flat major. AllegrettoMartin Helmchen (Piano)2007, Köln, Deutschlandfunk, Kammermusiksaal - Schoenberg • Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911) • 6. Sehr langsamChristoph Eggner (Piano)January 2013, Wien, ORF Funkhaus, Studio 2Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911)
6. Sehr langsamChristoph Eggner (Piano)January 2013, Wien, ORF Funkhaus, Studio 2 - Schoenberg • Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911) • 5. Etwas raschChristoph Eggner (Piano)January 2013, Wien, ORF Funkhaus, Studio 2Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911)
5. Etwas raschChristoph Eggner (Piano)January 2013, Wien, ORF Funkhaus, Studio 2 - Schoenberg • Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911) • 4. Rasch, aber leichtChristoph Eggner (Piano)January 2013, Wien, ORF Funkhaus, Studio 2Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911)
4. Rasch, aber leichtChristoph Eggner (Piano)January 2013, Wien, ORF Funkhaus, Studio 2 - Schoenberg • Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911) • 3. Sehr langsamChristoph Eggner (Piano)January 2013, Wien, ORF Funkhaus, Studio 2Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911)
3. Sehr langsamChristoph Eggner (Piano)January 2013, Wien, ORF Funkhaus, Studio 2 - Schoenberg • Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911) • 2. LangsamChristoph Eggner (Piano)January 2013, Wien, ORF Funkhaus, Studio 2Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911)
2. LangsamChristoph Eggner (Piano)January 2013, Wien, ORF Funkhaus, Studio 2 - Schoenberg • Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911) • 1. Leicht, zartChristoph Eggner (Piano)January 2013, Wien, ORF Funkhaus, Studio 2Little Piano Pieces op. 19 (1911)
1. Leicht, zartChristoph Eggner (Piano)January 2013, Wien, ORF Funkhaus, Studio 2 - Liszt • Sonata for Piano in B minor S 178
- Debussy • Préludes, Book I L 125 (117) • 10. La cathédrale engloutie (The Submerged Cathedral). Profondément calmePréludes, Book I L 125 (117)
10. La cathédrale engloutie (The Submerged Cathedral). Profondément calmeWalter Gieseking (Piano)1953, London
The novel “Die trunkene Fahrt” (The Drunken Journey), which Der Spiegel called “a virtuosic, furious chamber play” and Die Zeit called “an artful, musically-composed, whimsical journey”, is as yet only available in German. But perhaps the novel is more fluidly translated into music than into other languages. This playlist follows the course of the plot and is at the same time a programme, taking each listener on their own drunken journey – through the mountains, through life, through the universe.
Piano music is the main focus, but only after the pompous opening with the seedy music critic’s hated Alpine Symphony, in which the sun rises out of nowhere, painfully blinding for the men lost in the previous day’s hangover. Afterwards, Bach and Liszt, the personal idols of the irascible pianist, weave the common thread. In between, Rameau’s pecking chicken and Goethe’s/Schubert’s post-coachman Kronos encounter each other in a mountain village. Memories trace backwards through Schumann’s Kinderszenen and Mendelssohn’s Lieder ohne Worte. Flies in a tavern drop out of the air, dead from boredom, to the sound of Shostakovich’s last string quartet. And a random Polish booze-buddy raves about Szymanowski’s Stabat Mater.
Finally, the silver-sparkling stars of Bach’s Prelude in C-sharp Major ring out from the basement of the tavern, before we hear the whole piano recital. Through the course of the concert, that irascible pianist, in the face of a sunken church steeple, attains final certainty - from Bach to Schönberg, from Schubert to Liszt’s B-minor Sonata, and as an encore, Debussy’s La cathédrale engloutie.
Have a pleasant journey, and arrive safely at your destination!
Albrecht Selge, Die trunkene Fahrt, Roman. Rowohlt Berlin 2016.