Search - Hugo Distler :: Distler: Motets, Op. 12

Distler gives us a dark reminder that time is short.

Moonyeen Albrecht | 11/13/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Totentanz" or the Dance of Death is an ancient Christina diologue which personaifies death in a conversation with various individuals prior to death taking them. It is sung/spoken completely in the original German in which is was composed. I particualrly liked this CD for many reasons. First, the acapella choral portions provide rich harmonies which draw the listener into this almost dreamlike scene. Secondly, and most importantly, the texts uses serve as a reminder that no one is immune to death, and that no one knows what hour their life will be taken from them. This may seem to ba a dark, depressing theme; however, to anyone who puts their faith and trust in Christ, a glorious life eternal awaits as in the case of the Old Man in the Twelfth Epigram. In this CD there is hope, and a warning. No one knows when the end will be, be prepared. As "Wachet auf" procalims, "Arise, the bridegroom [Christ] comes, Alleluia! To the marriage feast; go forth to meet Him." There is hope. There is joy following the weeping and nashing of teeth of this life. Let the voices of the choirs life you up on this CD!"

Distler: Motets, Op. 12

Moonyeen Albrecht | Shepherd, MI United States | 03/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The music of Hugo Distler is probably not well known in the United States unless you are a schooled church musician. Distler was following in the J. S. Bach tradition in church music as a composer and organist in Germany until the Second World War when his life came to a premature end at his own hand because of having to live in and supposedly support Nazi Germany.



His music is original. Nobody sounds like Distler. It is modern, but tonal and very accessible. It is, simply, very beautiful! Much of his music is based on Lutheran Chorales and he treats them in a most exciting way. The performance on this recording is suberb as are the acoustics. If you love church music and are looking for new music to discover or if you are replacing old LPs as I am doing, this would be an excellent addition to your CD library. Most highly recommended."