Kurt Masur, the conductor, played a significant role in the peaceful revolution in East Germany in 1989 and was among six prominent Leipzig citizens who issued the "No violence!" call during the Monday demonstrations.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Minoru Miki, the Japanese composer, aimed to integrate his native cultural tradition into art music of European origin, not just as a stylistic quotation.
Composition History
Siegfried Thiele's "Gesänge an die Sonne" was commissioned by Kurt Masur for the "consecration of the house" of the new Gewandhaus, a significant event under the conditions of the GDR.
Notable Performances
The opening concert of the new Gewandhaus on October 8, 1981, featured Siegfried Thiele's "Gesänge an die Sonne" followed by Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
Compositional Technique
Minoru Miki's "Symphony for two worlds" features a large symphony orchestra alongside a 16-member ensemble of traditional Japanese wind, stringed, and percussion instruments.
Performer Biography
Kurt Masur, the conductor, led the Gewandhaus Orchestra for over a quarter of a century, from 1970 to 1997, giving more than 900 concerts on tour.
Recording & Production
This album features live recordings from the opening season of the new Gewandhaus in Leipzig in autumn 1981.
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