A Night of Remembrance and Reflection

The Konzt cycle in Altstätten recently hosted a profoundly moving good friday concert, offering a space for reflection on historical suffering and contemporary crises. The performance, centered around the theme of enduring hardship and hope, resonated deeply with the audience.

Interweaving Personal History with Worldwide Themes

The heart of the concert was a presentation by the young German mezzo-soprano Anna M. Stephany, who shared poignant texts written by her grandmother, Maria Stephany. These writings recounted Maria’s experiences during World War II, detailing the pervasive fear, deprivation, and mortal danger that marked her childhood. Stephany’s performance served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing plight of refugees and those affected by conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, where, according to recent UN estimates, over 14 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Musical Compositions Evoking Emotion

Stephany’s narrative was enriched by carefully selected musical pieces from renowned composers such as Gustav Mahler, Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Kurt Weill.These songs, chosen for their emotional depth and thematic relevance, amplified the impact of Maria stephany’s words, subtly underscoring the suffering of Christ without explicitly mentioning it.

Piano Interludes: Framing the Narrative

Pianist Julia Pleningen provided a complementary framework to the vocal performances with two evocative piano pieces: a nocturne by Frédéric Chopin and an arabesque by Robert Schumann. These instrumental interludes offered moments of contemplation and further enhanced the overall atmosphere of the concert.

Premiere of “Cage”: Expressing Fear and Torment

A highlight of the evening was the premiere of “Cage,” a composition by Leonard Willscher, Stephany’s cousin and also Maria Stephany’s grandson. This modern and expressive piece delved into the raw emotions of fear and pain, vividly portraying the anguish of a tormented individual. Pleningen’s accompaniment was especially striking, as she manipulated the piano strings directly, creating massive, unconventional sounds that amplified the song’s intensity.

A Child’s Perspective on War

maria Stephany’s writings offered a unique perspective on the war, beginning with her experiences in school in 1939, where the increasing influence of the ruling regime was evident. Military drills and indoctrination became commonplace, leaving a sense of unease among the children and their parents. The subsequent evacuation and escape from the front lines brought further hardship and uncertainty.

Enduring Hardship and Finding Resilience

Hunger, need, fear, and terror became constant companions for the young Maria Stephany. The arrival of Allied forces,the bombings,and eventual surrender marked a turning point,but the return to their devastated homeland brought new challenges. Despite the devastation, a sense of resilience prevailed, captured in the powerful words:

we still live. We are back. and we are no longer hungry.

Though, new tragedies soon followed, including the unexpected death of maria’s father after a workplace accident, adding another layer of grief to her already burdened young life.

The Power of Simple Language

The impact of Maria Stephany’s texts lies in their simplicity. Avoiding graphic details of war and destruction, her childlike language conveys the horror of the time in a deeply moving way. This understated approach, combined with the carefully curated musical selections, created a profound and memorable Good Friday experience for all in attendance.