Programme & Tickets

Wolfgang Rihm's death in the summer of 2024 not only caused consternation and deep sadness in the music world, it also left an immense gap. The composer's almost incomprehensible productivity, his simultaneously sensual and intellectually sharp approach to everything aesthetic and, last but not least, the sheer spiritual and physical presence of Rihm the man: all of this is now missing. Far and wide, there are no recognizable instances that could satisfy the longing for such forces.

As prominent as Rihm was for decades in the cultural life not only of the Federal Republic of Germany, so suddenly quiet it has now become around him. The Heidelberger Frühling, with which Wolfgang Rihm has been closely associated for decades—as recently as January 2022, all of his string quartets were performed there—is now honoring the master with a day of celebration: “A Celebration of Wolfgang Rihm” features top-notch performances of his works and insightful spoken contributions. The audience and the composer’s many companions are invited to come together and share memories.

The festive day begins with a performance of Rihm's groundbreaking Music for Three Strings from 1977. Ilya Gringolts, renowned violinist and chamber music virtuoso, Lawrence Power, award-winning violist, and Nicolas Altstaedt, celebrated cellist and interpreter of contemporary music, present the three-part, almost hour-long masterpiece by the then 25-year-old composer, which was completely at odds with the zeitgeist of New Music at the time. Looking back, it is clear how many characteristic elements of the later Rihm were already present in 1977.

16:00 – 17:15

Also bookable in the Rihm Pass (includes all three events of the day)