The Witch and the Saint - Die Hexe und die Heilige Steven Reineke

[DE]
Steven Reineke liess sich durch das Buch von Ulrike Schweikert 'Die Hexe und die Heilige' zur gleichnamigen Komposition inspirieren. Die Geschichte erzählt von einem dunklen Kapitel des Mittelalters: den Hexenverfolgungen. In Ellwangen (Deutschland) werden im Jahre 1588 einer angesehenen Wirtsfamilie Zwillingsmädchen geboren. Während die tugendhafte Helena ins Kloster geht, wird ihre eigenwillige Zwillingsschwester Sibylla Hebamme. Sie lernt die dunklen Geheimnisse der Mächtigen kennen und wird zur Gefahr. Die Häscher der Inquisition rüsten zur Hexenjagd. Das sehr gelungene programmatische Werk ist technisch nicht allzu anspruchsvoll, hat aber einige Taktwechsel und verlangt 5 - 8 Schlagzeuger.
Besuchen Sie auch die Seite der Buchautorin Ulricke Schweikert mit Lese- und Hörproben des Romans

[EN]
The Witch and the Saint is a programmatic tone poem for symphonic band and is constructed of five distinct sections. The opening (m. 1¬55) depicts the birth of twin sisters born In 1588 in Ellwangen, Germany. In those times, the birth of twins was considered a bad omen and as the sisters grew up, it became clear that they had the gift of second sight and could predict future events. The thematic material representing both sisters is first introduced in this section along with a medieval, Gregorian chant-type motif. The second section (m. 56-113) is the development of Sibylla's theme. This sister led a horrible life and her gilt was looked down upon. Many townspeople feared Sibylla and considered her to be a witch. After a brief transition, the theme representing the other sister, Helena, is introduced in its entirety. The third section (m. 133-165) is the development of Helena's theme. This sister was sent away to a convent when she was a child. While at the convent, Helena is revered as a samt because of her visions. The fourth section of the work (m. 166-200) is a turbulent section representing the struggles both of these sisters had in their lives. Eventually, Sibylla is imprisoned and Helena returns to the town to save her sister. The fifth section and finale of the work (m. 210-241) depicts the return of Helena and the rescue of her sister, Sibylla. As they are trying to escape, the sisters are captured once again and this firne, for fear of being burnt at the stake, the saht, Helena, drinks some poison. She dies in her sisters arms and Sibylla, the witch, rides off in sorrow.
Steven Reineke

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