I wish I were at home

The programme centres on works that speak of comfort, eternity and the longing for security and salvation. From 14th-century music to the present day, a polyphonic dialogue unfolds across the ages – offering a glimmer of hope in the face of uncertainty and conflict.

In its current programme, the Albus Ensemble is exploring the art form of the motet. We take you on a journey through time spanning seven centuries – from the 14th century to the present day. In keeping with the end of the church year, the focus is on motets that deal with the themes of comfort and eternity.

Our programme is entitled “Ich wollt, dass ich daheime wär” (I wish I were at home), the title of the motet of the same name by Hugo Distler. In times of uncertainty and conflict, we wish to offer a message of hope that also expresses a longing for security, comfort and salvation. Join us on this journey through time and discover how composers from different eras have explored these themes.

About the ensemble:

The Albus Ensemble was founded in 2018 by a group of ambitious choral singers in Berlin and has continued to develop ever since. We have now performed over ten concert programmes, all of which we have rehearsed without a full-time conductor. Our hearts beat particularly strongly for Renaissance and Baroque music of the 16th and 17th centuries. However, we also regularly venture into other eras.

Programme:

Guillaume de Machaut – Felix Virgo / Inviolata genitrix / Ad te suspiramus

Josquin Desprez – De profundis clamavi

William Byrd – Justorum animae

Raffaella Aleotti – Ego flos campi

Carlo Gesualdo – Tristis est anima mea

Heinrich Schütz – Those who sow with tears

Henry Purcell – Remember not, Lord, our offences

J. S. Bach – I will not forsake you

Michael Haydn – Salve Regina

Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy – Judge me, O God

Anton Bruckner – Tantum Ergo

Martha von Castelberg – O bone Jesu

Hugo Distler – I Wish I Were at Home

Knut Nystedt – Peace I leave with you

Max Reger – Night Song

Dates

• Saturday, 21 November 2026, 5.00 pm, Evangelical Parish of Mariendorf-Süd
• Sunday, 22 November 2026, 5.00 pm, St Paul’s Church, Wedding
• Free admission, donations welcome