Symphony Concert: Spotlight on Parsifal

Both composers not only shaped the music of their time, but also polarized opinion, both aesthetically and socially. To this day, both are surrounded by a mystical aura; “art religion” and the classical heroic epic are the central elements of their respective late works.

A few days before the premiere of *Mittwoch*, the second act from *Donnerstag* offers insights into another day in the week-long opera cycle.

As a purely instrumental piece, *Michael’s Journey Around the Earth* traces a hero’s journey culminating in an ascension to heaven.

The parallels to Parsifal’s journey—which is deeply shaped by Wagner’s affinity for religious spirituality—are evident.

Serving as a bridge and a prelude to the quasi-sacred atmosphere is John Cage’s piece 4′33″, which revolutionized listening by establishing the musical pause as a sonic space.

The concert marks the start of the thematic focus on Stockhausen and Cage, co-curated by Titus Engel.

Lineup:

• Orchestra of the Deutsche Oper Berlin
• Titus Engel, conductor
• Attilio Glaser, tenor (Parsifal)
• Tareq Nazmi, bass (Gurnemanz)
• Paul Hübner, trumpet
• Paula Breland, basset horn
• Paul Jeukendrup, sound engineer

Program

Karlheinz Stockhausen

Thursday from Light: Act 2—Michael’s Journey Around the Earth

Paul Hübner, trumpet

• Paula Breland, basset horn
• Paul Jeukendrup, sound design

John Cage

4' 33''

Richard Wagner

Parsifal: Act 3 (excerpts)

• Attilio Glaser, tenor
• Tareq Nazmi, bass