[1896-1944]

Józef Koffler - Kantate Die Liebe op.14

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Year
1931
Time
12'54"
Instr.
Voc. Klar. Vla. Vc.
Edition
UE
This composition has been played by the Ebony Band

Koffler’s Cantata Die Liebe op. 14 for voice, clarinet, viola and cello is, with the Trio, one of his most valuable and important works. It was written in Lvov in 1931, published by Universal Edition and premiered in Lvov the following year.
The text comes from the celebrated 13th chapter of St Paul’s epistle to the Corinthians.  The four movements employ traditional forms: I. Theme and variations; II. Passacaglia; III. Fughetta; IV. Epilogue. The series are treated freely, often fragmented and constantly transformed, subservient to the expression and structure of the text. A vast array of striking ostinato procedures, subtle blending of voices with original timbres such as tremolos sul ponticello and harmonics, and the mysterious, subdued mood all go to make Die Liebe a masterpiece, far surpassing both conventional and experimental work of the time.

The cantata has been recorded by the Ebony Band and soprano Barbara Hannigan in 2009 and released on a Channel Classics cd in 2010 (CCS 31010)