Michael Töpel

Lübeck-Kantate

Michael Töpel's Lübeck Cantata in 10 sets based on a poem by Rainer Kunze and own poetic texts. The piece for soprano solo, mixed choir and string orchestra considers the beauty of the city in a touching way and makes the listener experience associative keywords and allusions in different seasons. The music in this cantata always takes its lead from the lyrics. Their imagery is reflected in the music, without the latter simply repeating or duplicating what is said in the text. Rather, the music is much more concerned with intensifying the lyrics and enacting their imagery. The movements are cast differently and are each formed as individual tableaus of sound. In succession they form a highly contrasting whole, whereby the texts shape the dramatisation. Both the lyrics and the music have a very personal character. The fact Michael Töpel composed this cantata for this city should be seen as a sign of his thankfulness and affection.