Rihm: Vocal Works

View all works by Rihm in the main app

Explore the complete catalog of Vocal compositions by Rihm. This curated list includes composition years, historical Wikipedia context, and interactive audio to add specific tracks directly to your listening queue.

Title Year Actions
4 spate Gedichte von Friedrich Ruckert, for voice and piano

This is a list of compositions by Wolfgang Rihm. His output numbers more than 500 works. Rihm's compositions were published by Universal Edition. IRCAM has a list of Rihm's works. Rihm was extremely prolific, and much of his music has yet to be commercially recorded. His works include thirteen string quartets, the opera Die Eroberung von Mexico (1987–1991, based on texts by Antonin Artaud), over twenty song cycles, the oratorio Deus Passus (1999–2000, commissioned by the Internationale Bachakademie Stuttgart), Jagden und Formen for chamber orchestra (1995–2001), more than thirty concertos, and a series of interrelated orchestral works bearing the general title Vers une symphonie fleuve ("Towards a river symphony"). He sometimes revised or adapted his finished work. For example, in 1992 he completely rewrote Ins Offene ... for orchestra (1990) and used it as the basis for his piano concerto Sphere (1994). Then he recast the piano part of Sphere to create Nachstudie for solo piano (1994). In 2002, he wrote Sphäre nach Studie (a new version of Nachstudie) for harp, two double basses, piano, and percussion, as well as Sphäre um Sphäre (a new version of Sphere) for two pianos and chamber ensemble. He also experimented with writing musical fragments, for example in his Alexanderlieder (1975–1976, described as a "fragmentary song accompaniment"), cuts and dissolves for orchestra (1976–1977), Bagatelles (1977–1978), Lenz-Fragmente (1980), or more recently Fetzen (Scraps) for string quartet and accordion (1999–2004)

5 Gedichte von J.M.R. Lenz, for voice and piano

Johann Christian Friedrich Hölderlin (UK: , US: ; German: [ˈfʁiːdʁɪç ˈhœldɐliːn] ; 20 March 1770 – 7 June 1843) was a German poet and philosopher. Described by Norbert von Hellingrath as "the most German of Germans", Hölderlin was a key figure of German Romanticism. Particularly due to his early association with and philosophical influence on Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling, he was also an important thinker in the development of German Idealism. Born in Lauffen am Neckar, Hölderlin had a childhood marked by bereavement. His mother intended for him to enter the Lutheran ministry, and he attended the Tübinger Stift, where he was friends with Hegel and Schelling. He graduated in 1793 but could not devote himself to the Christian faith, instead becoming a tutor. Two years later, he briefly attended the University of Jena, where he interacted with Johann Gottlieb Fichte and Novalis, before resuming his career as a tutor. He struggled to establish himself as a poet, and was plagued by mental illness. He was sent to a clinic in 1806 but deemed incurable and instead given lodging by a carpenter, Ernst Zimmer. He spent the final 36 years of his life in Zimmer's residence, and died in 1843 at the age of 73. Hölderlin followed the tradition of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller as an admirer of Greek mythology and Ancient Greek poets such as Pindar and Sophocles, and melded Christian and Hellenic themes in his works. Martin Heidegger, upon whom Hölderlin had a great influence, said: "Hölderlin is one of our greatest, that is, most impending thinkers because he is our greatest poet."

Aestimatus sum, motet for chorus
Akt und Tag, 2 studies for soprano and string quartet
Caligaverunt oculi mei, motet for chorus
Communio

Wolfgang Michael Rihm (German: [ˈvɔlfɡaŋ ˈʁiːm] ; 13 March 1952 – 27 July 2024) was a German composer of contemporary classical music and an academic teacher based in Karlsruhe. He was an influential post-war European composer, as "one of the most original and independent musical voices" there, composing over 500 works including several operas. The premiere of Rihm's Morphonie for orchestra at the 1974 Donaueschingen Festival won him international recognition. Rihm pursued a freedom of expression, combining avant-garde techniques with emotional individuality. His chamber opera Jakob Lenz was premiered in 1977, exploring the inner conflict of a poet's soul. The premiere of his opera Oedipus at Deutsche Oper Berlin in 1987 was broadcast live and recorded as DVD. When his opera Dionysos was first performed at the Salzburg Festival in 2010, it was voted World Premiere of the Year by Opernwelt. He was commissioned to compose a work for the opening of the Elbphilharmonie, and created the song cycle Reminiszenz which was premiered in 2017. Rihm was professor of composition at the Hochschule für Musik Karlsruhe from 1985, with students including Rebecca Saunders and Jörg Widmann. He was composer in residence for the BBC, at the Lucerne Festival and the Salzburg Festival. He was honoured as an officer of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2001 and received the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize in 2003.

Das Rot, song cycle for soprano or tenor and piano

This is a list of compositions by Wolfgang Rihm. His output numbers more than 500 works. Rihm's compositions were published by Universal Edition. IRCAM has a list of Rihm's works. Rihm was extremely prolific, and much of his music has yet to be commercially recorded. His works include thirteen string quartets, the opera Die Eroberung von Mexico (1987–1991, based on texts by Antonin Artaud), over twenty song cycles, the oratorio Deus Passus (1999–2000, commissioned by the Internationale Bachakademie Stuttgart), Jagden und Formen for chamber orchestra (1995–2001), more than thirty concertos, and a series of interrelated orchestral works bearing the general title Vers une symphonie fleuve ("Towards a river symphony"). He sometimes revised or adapted his finished work. For example, in 1992 he completely rewrote Ins Offene ... for orchestra (1990) and used it as the basis for his piano concerto Sphere (1994). Then he recast the piano part of Sphere to create Nachstudie for solo piano (1994). In 2002, he wrote Sphäre nach Studie (a new version of Nachstudie) for harp, two double basses, piano, and percussion, as well as Sphäre um Sphäre (a new version of Sphere) for two pianos and chamber ensemble. He also experimented with writing musical fragments, for example in his Alexanderlieder (1975–1976, described as a "fragmentary song accompaniment"), cuts and dissolves for orchestra (1976–1977), Bagatelles (1977–1978), Lenz-Fragmente (1980), or more recently Fetzen (Scraps) for string quartet and accordion (1999–2004)

Depart, for chorus, speaking chorus and 22 players

Hamlet is a grand opera in five acts of 1868 by the French composer Ambroise Thomas, with a libretto by Michel Carré and Jules Barbier based on a French adaptation by Alexandre Dumas, père, and Paul Meurice of William Shakespeare's play Hamlet.

DEUS PASSUS, oratorio for soloists, chorus and orchestra

The Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance has been awarded since 1961. There have been several minor changes to the name of the award over this time: In 1961 the award was known as Best Classical Performance - Choral (including oratorio) From 1962 to 1964 it was awarded as Best Classical Performance - Choral (other than opera) In 1965, 1969, 1971, 1977 to 1978 and 1982 to 1991 it was awarded as Best Choral Performance (other than opera) From 1966 to 1968 it was awarded as Best Classical Choral Performance (other than opera) In 1970, 1973 to 1976 and 1979 to 1981 it was awarded as Best Choral Performance, Classical (other than opera) In 1972 it was awarded as Best Choral Performance - Classical From 1992 to 1994 it was awarded as Best Performance of a Choral Work 1995 to the present the award has been known as Best Choral Performance Prior to 1961 the awards for opera and choral performances were combined into a single award for Best Classical Performance, Operatic or Choral. The award goes to the Conductor, and to the Choral Director and/or Chorus Master where applicable and to the Choral Organization/Ensemble. Years reflect the year in which the Grammy Awards were presented, for works released in the previous year. Performers who were not eligible for an award (such as orchestras, soloists or choirs) are mentioned between brackets. From 2017, the choral organization/ensemble does receive an Award.

Ende der Handschrift, song cycle for voice and piano

This is a list of compositions by Wolfgang Rihm. His output numbers more than 500 works. Rihm's compositions were published by Universal Edition. IRCAM has a list of Rihm's works. Rihm was extremely prolific, and much of his music has yet to be commercially recorded. His works include thirteen string quartets, the opera Die Eroberung von Mexico (1987–1991, based on texts by Antonin Artaud), over twenty song cycles, the oratorio Deus Passus (1999–2000, commissioned by the Internationale Bachakademie Stuttgart), Jagden und Formen for chamber orchestra (1995–2001), more than thirty concertos, and a series of interrelated orchestral works bearing the general title Vers une symphonie fleuve ("Towards a river symphony"). He sometimes revised or adapted his finished work. For example, in 1992 he completely rewrote Ins Offene ... for orchestra (1990) and used it as the basis for his piano concerto Sphere (1994). Then he recast the piano part of Sphere to create Nachstudie for solo piano (1994). In 2002, he wrote Sphäre nach Studie (a new version of Nachstudie) for harp, two double basses, piano, and percussion, as well as Sphäre um Sphäre (a new version of Sphere) for two pianos and chamber ensemble. He also experimented with writing musical fragments, for example in his Alexanderlieder (1975–1976, described as a "fragmentary song accompaniment"), cuts and dissolves for orchestra (1976–1977), Bagatelles (1977–1978), Lenz-Fragmente (1980), or more recently Fetzen (Scraps) for string quartet and accordion (1999–2004)

Frau / Stimme, for soprano and orchestra with second soprano

This is a list of compositions by Wolfgang Rihm. His output numbers more than 500 works. Rihm's compositions were published by Universal Edition. IRCAM has a list of Rihm's works. Rihm was extremely prolific, and much of his music has yet to be commercially recorded. His works include thirteen string quartets, the opera Die Eroberung von Mexico (1987–1991, based on texts by Antonin Artaud), over twenty song cycles, the oratorio Deus Passus (1999–2000, commissioned by the Internationale Bachakademie Stuttgart), Jagden und Formen for chamber orchestra (1995–2001), more than thirty concertos, and a series of interrelated orchestral works bearing the general title Vers une symphonie fleuve ("Towards a river symphony"). He sometimes revised or adapted his finished work. For example, in 1992 he completely rewrote Ins Offene ... for orchestra (1990) and used it as the basis for his piano concerto Sphere (1994). Then he recast the piano part of Sphere to create Nachstudie for solo piano (1994). In 2002, he wrote Sphäre nach Studie (a new version of Nachstudie) for harp, two double basses, piano, and percussion, as well as Sphäre um Sphäre (a new version of Sphere) for two pianos and chamber ensemble. He also experimented with writing musical fragments, for example in his Alexanderlieder (1975–1976, described as a "fragmentary song accompaniment"), cuts and dissolves for orchestra (1976–1977), Bagatelles (1977–1978), Lenz-Fragmente (1980), or more recently Fetzen (Scraps) for string quartet and accordion (1999–2004)

Klangbeschreibung II, for 4 women's voices, brass quintet and percussion ensemble
Nachtwach, for 8 voices, chorus, 4 trombones and woodblock
Passionsmotetten, for voices
Quid est Deus, for chorus and orchestra
Raumauge, for chorus and 5 percussionists
Recessit pastor noster, motet for chorus
Rilke: 4 Gedichte, for tenor and piano

This is a list of compositions by Wolfgang Rihm. His output numbers more than 500 works. Rihm's compositions were published by Universal Edition. IRCAM has a list of Rihm's works. Rihm was extremely prolific, and much of his music has yet to be commercially recorded. His works include thirteen string quartets, the opera Die Eroberung von Mexico (1987–1991, based on texts by Antonin Artaud), over twenty song cycles, the oratorio Deus Passus (1999–2000, commissioned by the Internationale Bachakademie Stuttgart), Jagden und Formen for chamber orchestra (1995–2001), more than thirty concertos, and a series of interrelated orchestral works bearing the general title Vers une symphonie fleuve ("Towards a river symphony"). He sometimes revised or adapted his finished work. For example, in 1992 he completely rewrote Ins Offene ... for orchestra (1990) and used it as the basis for his piano concerto Sphere (1994). Then he recast the piano part of Sphere to create Nachstudie for solo piano (1994). In 2002, he wrote Sphäre nach Studie (a new version of Nachstudie) for harp, two double basses, piano, and percussion, as well as Sphäre um Sphäre (a new version of Sphere) for two pianos and chamber ensemble. He also experimented with writing musical fragments, for example in his Alexanderlieder (1975–1976, described as a "fragmentary song accompaniment"), cuts and dissolves for orchestra (1976–1977), Bagatelles (1977–1978), Lenz-Fragmente (1980), or more recently Fetzen (Scraps) for string quartet and accordion (1999–2004)

Symphonie 'Nähe fern', for baritone and orchestra

Johannes Brahms (; German: [joˈhanəs ˈbʁaːms] ; 7 May 1833 – 3 April 1897) was a German composer, virtuoso pianist, and conductor of the mid-Romantic period. His music is noted for its rhythmic vitality and freer treatment of dissonance, often set within studied yet expressive contrapuntal textures. He adapted the traditional structures and techniques of a wide historical range of earlier composers. His œuvre includes four symphonies, four concertos, a Requiem, much chamber music, and hundreds of folk-song arrangements and Lieder, among other works for symphony orchestra, piano, organ, and choir. Born to a musical family in Hamburg, Brahms began composing and concertizing locally in his youth. He toured Central Europe as a pianist in his adulthood, premiering many of his own works and meeting Franz Liszt in Weimar. Brahms worked with Ede Reményi and Joseph Joachim, seeking Robert Schumann's approval through Joachim. He gained both Robert and Clara Schumann's support and guidance. Brahms stayed with Clara in Düsseldorf, becoming devoted to her amid Robert's insanity and institutionalization. The two remained close, lifelong friends after Robert's death. Brahms never married, perhaps in an effort to focus on his work as a musician and scholar. He was a self-conscious, sometimes severely self-critical composer. Though innovative, his music was considered relatively conservative within the polarized context of the War of the Romantics, an affair in which Brahms regretted his public involvement. His compositions were largely successful, attracting a growing circle of supporters, friends, and musicians. Eduard Hanslick celebrated them polemically as absolute music, and Hans von Bülow even cast Brahms as the successor of Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven, an idea Richard Wagner mocked. Settling in Vienna, Brahms conducted the Singakademie and Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde, programming the early and often "serious" music of his personal studies. He considered retiring from composition late in life but continued to write chamber music, especially for Richard Mühlfeld. Brahms's contributions and craftsmanship were admired by his contemporaries like Antonín Dvořák, whose music he enthusiastically supported, and a variety of later composers. Max Reger and Alexander Zemlinsky reconciled Brahms's and Wagner's often contrasted styles. So did Arnold Schoenberg, who emphasized Brahms's "progressive" side. He and Anton Webern were inspired by the intricate structural coherence of Brahms's music, including what Schoenberg termed its developing variation. It remains a staple of the concert repertoire, continuing to influence composers into the 21st century.

Umsungen, for baritone and 8 instruments
Vigilia, for 6 voices and ensemble

This is a list of compositions by Wolfgang Rihm. His output numbers more than 500 works. Rihm's compositions were published by Universal Edition. IRCAM has a list of Rihm's works. Rihm was extremely prolific, and much of his music has yet to be commercially recorded. His works include thirteen string quartets, the opera Die Eroberung von Mexico (1987–1991, based on texts by Antonin Artaud), over twenty song cycles, the oratorio Deus Passus (1999–2000, commissioned by the Internationale Bachakademie Stuttgart), Jagden und Formen for chamber orchestra (1995–2001), more than thirty concertos, and a series of interrelated orchestral works bearing the general title Vers une symphonie fleuve ("Towards a river symphony"). He sometimes revised or adapted his finished work. For example, in 1992 he completely rewrote Ins Offene ... for orchestra (1990) and used it as the basis for his piano concerto Sphere (1994). Then he recast the piano part of Sphere to create Nachstudie for solo piano (1994). In 2002, he wrote Sphäre nach Studie (a new version of Nachstudie) for harp, two double basses, piano, and percussion, as well as Sphäre um Sphäre (a new version of Sphere) for two pianos and chamber ensemble. He also experimented with writing musical fragments, for example in his Alexanderlieder (1975–1976, described as a "fragmentary song accompaniment"), cuts and dissolves for orchestra (1976–1977), Bagatelles (1977–1978), Lenz-Fragmente (1980), or more recently Fetzen (Scraps) for string quartet and accordion (1999–2004)