Silva Nigra - MVSR2534AK | Musica

In "Silva Nigra" Markus Götz refers to the traditions of Richard Strauss und Gustav Mahler. In every bar of his composition the listener can sense that he is not only an expert in his experience music parameters, but must also be a brilliant teacher who knows exactly how amateurs or young people can be attracted to music in the first place and what intensity of expression they are capable of achieving.

The composer writes about his work: "The idea is a musical commentary on impressions from the region around St. Märgen in the form of a series of musical images."

The individual sections are entitled "The day awakens" - "A misty morning" - "The mist dissolves" - "View of the valley" - "Off on a hike" - "Encounter at the monastery" -"Visit to the Horse Festival".

The beginning is marked by a hovering, swishing cymbal roll and, above it, a sweetly melancholy-sounding call, which will become the main theme of the entire composition. The whole work is based on this Black Forest motif and forms a broad series of variations during which the motif undergoes manifold adaptations and reinterpretations. Götz employs elements of folksong and the Gregorian chanting of psalms in order to illustrate the various scenes to the listener. Dance sections contrast with passages of an expressive religious character. The sounds of nature are imitated by the music, and of course the famous Black Forest cuckoo cannot be left out. Nevertheless, all these elements are subject to a strict form without drifting off into sentimentality or mere onomatopoeia. The entire work is imbued with the stillness of the renowned Black Forest, which finds special mention in a brief passage in which the musicians express their praise in song. This work for advanced-level ensembles not only lends expression to a specific regional atmosphere, but can also form a significant contribution to any concert.

The accordion orchestra version of this piece is combinable with the concert band version!