Rihm, W.: Quid est Deus / Ungemaltes Bild / Frau/Stimme

Dive into the captivating world of contemporary classical music with Wolfgang Rihm's compelling album, "Quid est Deus / Ungemaltes Bild / Frau/Stimme." This 2009 release, part of the Rihm Edition series, showcases the German composer's mastery of orchestral and vocal compositions. The album features three distinct works that highlight Rihm's unique voice in the classical music landscape.

The album opens with "Quid est Deus," a powerful piece for choir and orchestra that explores profound questions of faith and existence, sung in Latin. Following this, "Ungemaltes Bild" offers a purely orchestral experience, demonstrating Rihm's skill in crafting intricate and evocative instrumental textures. The album concludes with "Frau/Stimme," a hauntingly beautiful work for soprano and orchestra, performed in German by soprano Isolde Siebert and Carmen Fuggis.

Conducted by esteemed maestros Sylvain Cambreling, Michael Gielen, and Friedrich Goldmann, and performed by the SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart and the SWR Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Freiburg, this album is a testament to Rihm's ability to push the boundaries of traditional composition. The performances are vivid and nuanced, bringing Rihm's complex and thought-provoking music to life.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, this album is a significant addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a longtime fan of Wolfgang Rihm or new to his work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

Wolfgang Rihm (1952-2024) was a towering figure in contemporary classical music, renowned for his prolific output and distinctive voice. Born in Karlsruhe, Germany, Rihm composed over 500 works throughout his career, spanning a wide range of genres from chamber music to grand operas. His stage works, including operas like "Faust und Yorick," "Jakob Lenz," and "Die Eroberung von Mexico," are particularly celebrated for their innovative and expressive power. Rihm's music is characterized by its intellectual depth and emotional intensity, often giving the impression of a composer thinking aloud on paper. Beyond his compositions, Rihm was a dedicated educator and mentor, influencing generations of younger composers. His legacy includes a vast and diverse oeuvre that continues to inspire and challenge audiences and musicians alike.