Composer

:

Max Niederberger

Average_duration

:

3:23

Das Alte Wort is a choral work composed by Max Niederberger in 1952. The piece was premiered on May 10, 1953, in Zurich, Switzerland, by the Zurich Chamber Choir under the direction of the composer himself. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical style. The first movement, "Das Alte Wort," is a setting of a poem by the Swiss poet Hermann Hesse. The music is characterized by a slow, mournful melody in the choir, accompanied by a simple, repetitive piano accompaniment. The text speaks of the transience of life and the inevitability of death, and the music reflects this with its somber, reflective tone. The second movement, "Der Tag ist hin," is a setting of a poem by the German poet Friedrich Rückert. The music is more upbeat and lively than the first movement, with a faster tempo and a more complex choral arrangement. The text speaks of the passing of time and the beauty of the natural world, and the music reflects this with its bright, optimistic tone. The final movement, "O Tod, wie bitter bist du," is a setting of a traditional German hymn. The music is characterized by a slow, mournful melody in the choir, accompanied by a simple, repetitive piano accompaniment. The text speaks of the inevitability of death and the hope of eternal life, and the music reflects this with its somber, reflective tone. Overall, Das Alte Wort is a powerful and moving choral work that explores themes of life, death, and the passage of time. The music is characterized by its simple, yet effective melodies and harmonies, and the text is beautifully set to music, creating a powerful emotional impact on the listener.

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