Franziskus - A rock poem with music by Rio Reiser
| Musical dates | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Franziskus - A rock poem with music by Rio Reiser |
| Original language: | German |
| Music: | Rio Reiser , clay stones shards , Wunderbuntd |
| Lyrics: | Isolde Lommatzsch |
| Premiere: | June 2, 2011 |
| Place of premiere: | Trinitatis church ruins, Dresden |
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Franziskus - A rock poem with music by Rio Reiser is a play for an actor and a rock band that combines stations from the life of Francis of Assisi with the music of Ton Steine Scherben and Rio Reiser . The work was premiered on June 2, 2011 in the Trinitatis church ruins in Dresden at the 33rd German Evangelical Church Congress . Further performances of the work followed, including in Goseck, Freiberg, Seelitz and Voigtsdorf
The text
Isolde Lommatzsch's libretto takes up numerous original quotations from the estate of Francis of Assisi. Furthermore, texts from the biographers as well as from the legends in the original wording were included to introduce the scenes. The work is divided into five scenic monologues and contains important stages in the life of the saint and his struggle for reforms. “The poor little one” wanted to follow in the footsteps of Jesus , on his arduous journey he experienced suffering and fulfillment. The titles of the scenes serve as an overview of the plot:
- Francis' way to Jesus
- The apostolic movement
- Growth of the order and turning away from the original rule
- Francis' doubts and seclusion
- The vision of the seraph and the testament
A considerable part of the textbook is taken up by the lyrics by Rio Reiser, which reflect the feelings and thoughts of the saint and at the same time give the plot topicality. Some of the lyrics are by Isolde Lommatzsch, the adaptation of the old Italian poem Sonnengesang based on a literal translation by Paul Sabatier should be emphasized .
The music
The newly dubbed “Sonnengesang” runs like a red thread through all scenes and combines elements of medieval music with the instruments of the rock band. Thus it represents the musical link to the songs by Rio Reiser, Ton Steine Scherben and Wunderbuntd . In some scenes, chorale melodies are used as background music , which are improvised alternately vocal or instrumental ( organ , saxophone ). The music is equal to the scenic part, which is achieved through a total of twelve rock tracks, the reminiscences of the sun song as well as chorales and background music.
The conception
The term "rock poem" was deliberately chosen to distinguish the 100-minute play with its contemplative character from the musical. The staging is therefore economical in terms of equipment and technical effects. The protagonist acts in front of Gothic arches with symbolic backdrops and props and the musicians work on the rear stage. In individual passages, they also appear as extras (for example at the Last Supper ) or as singers or instrumentalists (for example a saxophone improvisation in Francis' conversation with a falcon).
The focus of the play is on the messages that the saint and the anarchist Rio Reiser address to the audience. Their commonalities are expressed in the guiding principle of the program:
“Both are idealists.
Both are rebels.
Both are visionaries.
They live in different times,
come from distant places
and speak different languages.
But now they meet
and walk part of the way together,
always looking:
step by step into paradise. "
CD release
- "Franziskus", Maxvoice-Verlag (Dresden, 2011)