Reiko Füting: Mechthild

by Olaf Katzer, Ensemble Adapter

Overview

There were two medieval German nuns named Mechthild ("Matilda") and known for their mystical writings; those of one, Mechthild of Magdeburg, form the basis for this work by composer Reiko Fueting and librettist Christian Lehnert. This Mechthild is known for being the first theologian to write in Low German rather than in Latin; Lehnert has modernized her words into contemporary High German; although no texts are provided, German speakers will understand the portion of the text that is meant to be understood. That is not all of it; in addition to straightforward texts from a narrator, the words are atomized into various vocalizations. The main characters in this opera are Mechthild's soul and Mechthild's body, both sung by sopranos, a narrator who speaks, and various smaller characters appear in episodes from Mechthild's life. The musical background is played by Ensemble Adapter, a chamber sextet featuring clarinets, flute, cello, harp, a small organ, and percussion; the musical material is based on a single octave from which the music periodically departs. Fueting succeeds in creating a modern structure that lightly evokes medieval polyphony. This work was originally accompanied by visual elements that probably clarify the philosophical elements somewhat, but it is listenable on its own for those intrigued by new postminimalist developments. ~ James Manheim

Product Details

Release Date:	06/02/2023
Label:	NEW FOCUS
UPC:	0690277901157

Tracks

1. Mechthild~Act I. Verwunden, vereint (Wound, United). Scene 1. Ankunft (Arrival)
2. Mechthild~Act I. Verwunden, vereint (Wound, United). Scene 2. Die Kranke (The Invalid). [Part 1]
3. Mechthild~Act I. Verwunden, vereint (Wound, United). Scene 2. Die Kranke (The Invalid). [Part 2]
4. Mechthild~Act I. Verwunden, vereint (Wound, United). Scene 2. Die Kranke (The Invalid). [Part 3]
5. Mechthild~Act I. Verwunden, vereint (Wound, United). Scene 2. Die Kranke (The Invalid). [Part 4]
6. Mechthild~Act I. Verwunden, vereint (Wound, United). Scene 3. Im Gemach der Gottheit (In the Room of Divinity). [Part 1]
7. Mechthild~Act I. Verwunden, vereint (Wound, United). Scene 3. Im Gemach der Gottheit (In the Room of Divinity). [Part 2]
8. Mechthild~Act I. Verwunden, vereint (Wound, United). Scene 3. Im Gemach der Gottheit (In the Room of Divinity). [Part 3]
9. Mechthild~Act I. Verwunden, vereint (Wound, United). Scene 3. Im Gemach der Gottheit (In the Room of Divinity). [Part 4]
10. Mechthild~Act I. Verwunden, vereint (Wound, United). Scene 3. Im Gemach der Gottheit (In the Room of Divinity). [Part 5]
11. Mechthild~Act I. Verwunden, vereint (Wound, United). Scene 3. Im Gemach der Gottheit (In the Room of Divinity). [Part 6]
12. Mechthild~Act I. Verwunden, vereint (Wound, United). Scene 3. Im Gemach der Gottheit (In the Room of Divinity). [Part 7]
13. Mechthild~Act I. Verwunden, vereint (Wound, United). Scene 3. Im Gemach der Gottheit (In the Room of Divinity). [Part 8]
14. Mechthild~Act I. Verwunden, vereint (Wound, United). Scene 3. Im Gemach der Gottheit (In the Room of Divinity). [Part 9]
15. Mechthild~Act I. Verwunden, vereint (Wound, United). Scene 3. Im Gemach der Gottheit (In the Room of Divinity). [Part 10]
16. Mechthild~Act II. Die Gottesfremde (The Alienated). Scene 4. Abgekippt (Dumped). [Part 1]
17. Mechthild~Act II. Die Gottesfremde (The Alienated). Scene 4. Abgekippt (Dumped). [Part 2]
18. Mechthild~Act II. Die Gottesfremde (The Alienated). Scene 5. Wo bist du dann? (Where Will You Then Be?)
19. Mechthild~Act II. Die Gottesfremde (The Alienated). Scene 6. Höllenfahrt (Descent Into Hell)
20. Mechthild~Act II. Die Gottesfremde (The Alienated). Scene 7. Nichts (Naught)
21. Mechthild~Act III. Nach Gott (After God). Scene 8. Im Krankensaal (In the Ward). [Part 1]
22. Mechthild~Act III. Nach Gott (After God). Scene 8. Im Krankensaal (In the Ward). [Part 2]
23. Mechthild~Act III. Nach Gott (After God). Scene 9. Feuer (Fire)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Olaf Katzer   Primary Artist,Conductor
Ensemble Adapter   Primary Artist,Ensemble
AuditivVokal Dresden   Vocal Ensemble
Hanna Herfurtner   Soprano (Vocal)
Olivia Stahn   Soprano (Vocal)

Technical Credits

Susi Wirth   Narrator
Susan Turcot   Sculpture
Oliver Look   Photography
Hojoon Kim   Portraits
Christian Lehnert   Librettist,Liner Notes
Helge Leiberg   Paintings
Nilz Boehme   Photography
Reiko Fueting   Liner Notes,Composer
Benjamin Dressler   Engineer
Bradley Colten   Booklet Editor
Daniel Lippel   Production Advisor
Marc Wolf   Design
Sean Curran   Photography