Instrumental with Electronics· 2025

Echoes from the ashes(of a burned consciousness)

Piano and fixed media

Program note

Der Tod und das Mädchen

Das Mädchen: Vorüber! ach, vorüber! Geh, wilder Knochenmann! Ich bin noch jung, geh Lieber! Und rühre mich nicht an. Der Tod: Gib deine Hand, du schön und zart Gebild! Bin Freund, und komme nicht zu strafen. Sey gutes Muhts! Ich bin nicht wild, Sollst sanft in meinen Armen schlafen!

Matthias Claudius, 1774

More about the piece

This piece aims to revive the voice of Sylvia Plath and Schubert's Lied "Der Tod und das Mädchen," intertwining them with the prepared piano's sounds as a connecting element.

It is built on three main elements: piano sounds, using extended techniques and harmonies inspired by Schubert; fragments of Schubert's song, altered by the prepared piano; and electronics, including Sylvia Plath's voice, whispers, and nature sounds, which gradually become clearer as the piece progresses.

The structure has three parts: the first introduces and transforms the sounds and voices; the second focuses on a fragmented version of Schubert's Lied; the third returns to the initial elements, with the song's harmonies clearly emerging to conclude the piece.

Video: OMA Akademie

Premiered in Munich, Reaktorhalle, 2 July 2025.