Der Tod und das Mädchen II

Album Description

"Der Tod und das Mädchen II" is a captivating avant-garde album by Austrian composer Olga Neuwirth, released in 2000 under the label col legno. This intriguing work is a collaboration with renowned actresses Anne Bennent and Hanna Schygulla, and features texts by Nobel Prize-winning author Elfriede Jelinek. The album is a unique blend of music and spoken word, drawing inspiration from the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, reimagined through a lens of science fiction and biting social commentary.

Comprising 15 tracks, the album spans a duration of 51 minutes, offering a rich and immersive listening experience. Neuwirth's composition is a response to Franz Schubert's "Der Tod und das Mädchen" (Death and the Maiden), and it serves as a modern exploration of themes of life, death, and the subconscious. The texts by Jelinek delve into the states of sleep, adding a layer of depth and introspection to the music.

The album is not just a collection of songs but a cohesive narrative that unfolds through the interplay of Neuwirth's avant-garde compositions and the powerful performances of Bennent and Schygulla. It challenges listeners to engage with complex themes and innovative musical techniques, making it a standout work in the realm of contemporary classical music.

1 januari 2000

2007 col legno music GmbH

2000 ZKM Karlsruhe

About Olga Neuwirth

Olga Neuwirth is an innovative Austrian contemporary classical composer, visual artist, and author, renowned for her interdisciplinary approach and thought-provoking works. Born in Graz in 1968, Neuwirth's music is characterized by its dreamlike, surreal, and audacious qualities, heavily influenced by the cinematic styles of David Lynch. Her operas and music theater pieces often explore sociopolitical themes, with notable collaborations including those with Elfriede Jelinek. Neuwirth's work frequently incorporates live electronics and video, pushing the boundaries of traditional composition. Her opera "Lost Highway" is a striking adaptation of David Lynch's surrealist film of the same name. Neuwirth's music is incredibly diverse, showcasing a wide range of sound patterns that captivate and challenge audiences. She studied at the Academy of Music in Vienna and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and has been a composer-in-residence at prestigious festivals such as the Lucerne Festival. Neuwirth's groundbreaking work has made her a significant figure in contemporary classical music, breaking barriers and inspiring new generations of composers.