Presenting Totentanz
Our Winter concert on Sunday, February 28, 2010 features Hugo Distler’s Totentanz along with music by Brahms, Poulenc, and Tavener. "Totentanz", or “Death Dance”, evolved from a Medieval liturgical drama in which Death confronts people from various walks of life and asks them to join the dance. Though haunting, the work ultimately celebrates life through music and the posthumous reflections of the Bishop, Manager, Doctor, Merchant, Soldier, Sailor, Judge, Farmer, Young Lady, Old Man, and Child. Distler built on choral traditions to create innovative compositions, but eventually was persecuted for his music by the Nazis who declared his work "entartete Kunst" (degenerate art), prompting him to end his own life at age 34.
We are thrilled to announce that the third annual Daniel Pinkham Award for outstanding contributions to music and the GLBT community will be presented to Fenwick Smith. Celebrated flutist from the Boston Symphony Orchestra and beloved teacher at the New England Conservatory, Smith has been a source of pride for Boston for years. He will give a special performance and receive the award at our Winter concert.
