Composition Commission issued to Mark Andre

KunstFestSpiele Herrenhausen, Hanover, Germany

The KunstFestSpiele Herrenhausen have commissioned Mark Andre to compose a full-length work for five choral groups and a large ensemble. Mark Andre has developed a thematic idea for it, based on a biblical passage from the Gospel of Mark, which he describes with the words: wind, breath, life, soul, spirit (Heb. rûaḥ; Greek: pneuma; Aramaic: rwḥ). The Aramaic rwh (pronunciation: "ruách") is also the working title for his work, which is funded by the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation.

"And when they shall bring you and hand you over, be not anxious beforehand what ye shall speak: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye. For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit" (Mark 13:11). According to the Synoptics, this passage is the only one in the New Testament whose statement about the Spirit can be traced back with some certainty to Jesus himself, which was decisive for Mark Andre's selection. This subject allows for extremely varied and interpenetrating sound ideas, which open up a wide range of musical possibilities, both vocally and instrumentally.

Due to the current situation and associated regulations, there may be changes at short notice. For the latest information on the project please therefore check kunstfestspiele.de