background
Wolfgang Rihm (1952-2024), one of the most distinguished and prolific composers of our time, has a vast body of work that spans several genres, from orchestral works to chamber music and vocal compositions. Born in 1952 in Karlsruhe, Germany, Rihm is known for his eclectic style and ability to combine tradition and innovation. His work Aestimatus sum is a motet for choir, and a striking example of his approach to religious and spiritual themes, bringing together ancient texts and contemporary musical language.
The text comes from Psalm 87:5-7/88. This depressing psalm in the Psalter ends not on a note of hope, but with the words “They laid me in the deepest grave, in darkness, and in the shadow of death. Rihm uses silence as an important expressive tool. Pauses and moments of silence are used strategically to build tension and focus the listener’s attention on the meaning of the words.
Aestimatus sum was performed by Cappella Amsterdam led by conductor Daniel Reuss in the five-star award-winning concert series De grootinquisiteur. At the request of Cappella Amsterdam, the concert was filmed by production company MILLK in De Vereeniging, Nijmegen. The audio is recorded by A-A-AUDIO.
lyrics
Aestimatus sum cum descendentibus in lacum:
Factus sum sicut homo sine adjutorio, inter mortuos liber.
Posuerunt me in lacu inferiori, in tenebrosis, et in umbra mortis.
performers
Cappella Amsterdam
Daniel Reuss conductor
