Concert and Guided Tour: What ist Dada?
By between feathers in the exhibition “Lebt und arbeitet in Wien”
The concert by musicians from the ensemble between feathers, together with Margarethe Maierhofer-Lischka (double bass) and Flora Geißelbrecht (composition, viola, voice), as part of the exhibition “Lebt und arbeitet in Wien”, centres an intergenerational engagement with Dadaist ideas that feel more relevant than ever in the current social climate.
Dadaism emerged from the urge to artistically confront the madness of the First World War. What began over 100 years ago with a small group in Zurich went on to influence generations of artists worldwide through the radicality with which it lent profound dimensions to absurd, seemingly nonsensical actions. Dada also opened doors between the arts: performance, music, visual art and literature entered into dialogue with one another.
The project explores how humour, absurdity and art can help us to cope with this serious crisis. Oscillating between children’s play, everyday life, death and irony are Christian Morgenstern’s “Galgenlieder” (Songs of the Gallows) (1895–1905) which appear timelessly modern through their dark, abysmal humour. The congenial, performative setting of the “Galngenlieder” for the chamber ensemble by Sofia Gubaidulina forms the centrepiece of a staged musical programme. A contemporary response is provided by the Austrian composer Flora Marlene Geißelbrecht, based on texts by Gertrude Stein and embedded in references to the Dadaists of the past 110 years, complemented by music by John Cage and a composition by Hannes Schöggl.
Program
- Sofia Gubaidulina: “Galgenlieder” à 5
Fourteen pieces for mezzo-soprano, flute, percussion, bayan, and double bass - Flora Marlene Geißelbrecht: “NEW WORK” for accordion, flute, percussion, double bass, and voice
- John Cage: “Living Room Music”, 2nd & 3rd movement
- Hannes Schöggl: “Das Perlhuhn” (from “Galgenlieder”)
between feathers
The ensemble between feathers is a young Austrian quartet dedicated to regional and international contemporary music. In search of authentic concepts with unusual instrumentation – accordion, voice, flutes and percussion – the ambitious musicians aim to explore the international repertoire of new music and collaborate with composers who share the following vision: to rethink the traditional contemporary music concert together with visual artists, dancers and thinkers from around the world. Furthermore, the quartet seeks to address the problems and challenges of our modern society.
Information
- Please register at: vermittlung@kunsthallewien.at
- The event is free with a valid exhibition ticket.
Kunsthalle Wien
