Ensemble Phœnix Basel

Heidelberger Frühling 2026

Music Festival “A Celebration of Wolfgang Rihm”

Vigilia – In Memoriam Wolfgang Rihm (13.3.1952–27.7.2024)

Concert with “SCHOLA HEIDELBERG” (Conductor: Ekkehard Windrich) and “Ensemble Phoenix Basel” (Conductor: Jürg Henneberger)

Wolfgang Rihm’s death in the summer of 2024 not only caused consternation and deep sadness in the music world, it also left an immense gap. The composer’s almost incomprehensible productivity, his simultaneously sensual and intellectually sharp approach to everything aesthetic and, last but not least, the sheer spiritual and physical presence of Rihm the man: all of this is now missing. Far and wide, there are no recognizable instances that could satisfy the longing for such forces.

As present as Rihm was in the cultural life of Germany and beyond for decades, he has now suddenly fallen silent. The Heidelberger Frühling, to which Wolfgang Rihm was closely associated over the decades – all of his string quartets were performed here as recently as January 2022 – is now honouring the master with a day of celebration: ‘A Celebration of Wolfgang Rihm’ includes top-class performances of his works and pointed contributions. The audience and the composer’s many companions are invited to meet and reminisce together.

The third event of the A Celebration of Wolfgang Rihm begins with a short introduction to the work before one of the most impressive works by the mature Rihm is heard: ‘Vigilia’ for six voices and ensemble from 2006. Wolfgang Rihm used seven Passion texts as a textual basis, which are sung a capella by a six-part vocal ensemble. These motets are each interrupted by instrumental interludes (Sonata I-VII). In the most extensive final part (Miserere), the instrumental and vocal ensembles perform together.

The oeuvre of the German composer and musicologist Wolfgang Rihm is immense. In addition to three symphonies, nine operas and a large number of solo and chamber music works, “Vigilia” occupies a very special place as one of the most impressive compositions in his oeuvre. This music manages to be directly accessible to both connoisseurs and less accustomed listeners of new music. Vigils are night watches in the Catholic liturgy, which are spent in scripture readings or prayers and, in the concentration of darkness, are intended to prepare for special church festivals, especially Easter. Rihm refers to this custom and the old music-historical tradition of the responsorial cycle, as shaped by Carlo Gesualdo (1560–1613), for example.

Program