Ernst Krenek’s ‘Cantata on the Transience of Earthly Things’ is a powerful musical memorial against dictatorship and totalitarianism.

In 1932, shortly before the National Socialists seized power, the composer set to music in Vienna Baroque poems by Andreas Gryphius, Martin Opitz and other authors, whose verses had been written under the influence of the Thirty Years’ War.

Moving between twelve-tone technique and tonal references, Krenek creates a compelling contrast to the vividly evocative poetry. Just a few months after its completion, his music was denounced as ‘degenerate’ in Germany. In 1938, he emigrated to the USA. The cantata has lost none of its urgency to this day and, in the face of the dangers of authoritarian rule, seems more relevant than ever.

Gijs Leenaars, Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Rundfunkchor Berlin since 2015, will be conducting. Known for his versatile repertoire and his particular commitment to contemporary music and rarely performed choral works, he brings his sensitive musical touch to the programme with the RIAS Chamber Choir. Alongside Krenek’s cantata, the programme features works by Johannes Brahms and Friedrich Gernsheim.