composer
Gayatri-Rhapsody (1997)
Part of the CD-booklet-text by Thomas Meyer:The expressive arabesque`s nearly oriental line, which sometimes appears in the Intrada, pervades the Gayatri Rhapsodie (1997). In this piece one can experience a concentration of Fabian Müller`s various expressive idioms. The Allegro scherzo of the Cello concerto, the fine ornaments of the Intrada and the broad, gentle melodies of the Hesse settings are combined in this piece in a focused simplicity. These elements come together particularly well in the middle section «molto meno mosso» in an uncomplicated yet intense ascending line. The composer writes, «Gayatri is one of the oldest, most complex forms of prayer; a universal prayer which does not ask for mercy or forgiveness, but for a clear spirit, so that one can reflect on the truth without distortion». With this music he worked through the strong impressions made upon him during a visit to India: The sanskrit verses are recited with a magic-penetrating «spoken singing». «The simple melody consisting of three tones is woven throughout the entire piece; as the music progresses this melody emerges more and more clearly. This is not program music, nonetheless certain themes do have supplemental elements, for example a row of tones could be heard as a reflection of thoughts and emotions which might dull a clear spirit. In a way this work is a musical reflection of an inner struggle for clarity. It is dominated by ascending lines; this strongly influences the energy of the music. The melody of the Gayatri shines in between urgent restlessness, cunning wit, enthusiastic love and melancholy, and towards the end of the piece the melody comes to the foreground. Although the piece is based upon a sanskrit prayer, it is composed in the Western tradition. It could be described as using a free tonality; it is characterized by a tendency to come away from intellectual and calculated constructions to give intuition and inspiration a chance.
Info
in one movement
Comissioned by the Symphonic Orchestra Zürich
dedicated to Kitty Weinberger
Instrumentation
2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets (A), 2 Bassoons
2 Horns (F), 2 Trumpets (C)
Timpani, Percussion
Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass
Duration
about 14 minutes
Listen to the work on MX3
Recordings
![[CD-Cover]](/bilder/cd_klein/2.jpg)
Philharmonia Orchestra, London
David Zinman, Conductor
col legno - WWE 1CD 20205 (P 2002)
World Premiere
7th of Februar 1998 with the Symphonic Orchestra Zürich and Terence Frazor (conductor) at Tonhalle Zürich
Concerts
May 11th, 2018
08:00 pm - Deutschland, Baden-Baden, KurhausCasino Baden-Baden, Philharmonie/Weinbrennersaal
Philharmonie Baden-Baden conducted by Markus L. Frank
www.philharmonie.baden-baden.de/de/DE/Konzert e/2018/(monat)/05
March 20th, 2011
07:30 pm - Deutschland, Theater Nordhausen
6. Sinfoniekonzert, «Innen-Welten": Fabian Müller, Gayatri-Rhapsodie (1997), Gustav Mahler, Kindertotenlieder, César Franck, Sinfonie d-Moll
LOH-Orchestra, Sondershausen, Abraham Singer, Bariton, Cond.: Markus L. Frank
March 19th, 2011
07:30 pm - Deutschland, Sondershausen, Haus der Kunst
6. Sinfoniekonzert, «Innen-Welten": Fabian Müller, Gayatri-Rhapsodie (1997), Gustav Mahler, Kindertotenlieder, César Franck, Sinfonie d-Moll
LOH-Orchestra, Sondershausen, Abraham Singer, Bariton, Cond.: Markus L. Frank
September 19th, 2010
05:00 pm - Zürich, Kirche St. Peter
Also in the program, works by: F. Chopin, R. Schumann
New Zurich Orchestra, conducted by Martin Studer-Müller
September 18th, 2010
07:30 pm - Wettingen, Klosterkirche
Also in the program, works by: F. Chopin, R. Schumann
New Zurich Orchestra, conducted by Martin Studer-Müller
June 27th, 2010
06:30 pm - Kultur-Casino Bern
Also in the program, works by: F. Chopin, R. Schumann
New Zurich Orchestra, conducted by Martin Studer-Müller
June 19th, 2010
08:00 pm - Rüttihubelbad, Festsaal
Also in the program, works by: F. Chopin, R. Schumann
New Zurich Orchestra, conducted by Martin Studer-Müller
April 27th, 2006 - National Music Center (Tibilissi, Georgien)
E. Mikeladzne Symphony Orchestra, Nikolas von Rauss, Conductor
December 03rd, 2004 - Tonhalle Zürich
Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich
Peter Oundjian, Conductor