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Aribert ReimannGerman composer and pianist
Date of Birth: 04.05.1936
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Wolfgang Rihm: A German Maestro
Born under the musical tutelage of a music pedagogue father and a singer mother, Wolfgang Rihm pursued composition at Berlin's Hochschule für Musik, studying under Boris Blacher. His musical education extended to piano under Otto Rauh and counterpoint under Ernst Pepping.
Early Influences
Rihm's early works exhibited the influence of Anton Webern, tempered by his admiration for Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann, whose songs he frequently arranged. This fusion of contemporary and classical styles was also evident in his stage works, which balanced elements of Alban Berg with Richard Wagner and hints of Kurt Weill, Paul Hindemith, and Claude Debussy.
Operatic Prowess
Rihm's operas stand as significant contributions to the genre. "Lear," inspired by Shakespeare's tragedy and premiered in Munich in 1978 with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau in the lead role, and "Das Schloss," based on Franz Kafka's novel and premiered in Berlin in 1992, are considered among his most notable works.
Vocal Cycles
Alongside his operas, Rihm created zahlreiche vocal cycles. Of particular significance are those inspired by the poetry of Paul Celan, with whom he maintained a close relationship. "Fünf Gesange," composed in 1960, marked Rihm's initial foray into Celan's poetry. His "Zyklus" for baritone with orchestra (1971) was a landmark work, commissioned by Fischer-Dieskau and set to texts from Celan's final collection, "Atemwende."
Later Works
Rihm's recent compositions are characterized by an austere musical language. "Kumi Ori" ("Arise, Shine") for baritone and orchestra (1999) draws its title from Celan's "Lichtzwang." Other late works include "Die Pole sind in uns" ("The Poles are Within Us") for baritone and piano (1995) and "Fünf Gedichte von Paul Celan [aus dem postum erschienenen Band 'Zeitgehöft']" (1994/2001) for countertenor and piano.
