2020; dur: 1'30"; Vln, Vla, Vlc, Pno, Perc; Score at Wise Music Classical
I was invited to make a tribute to the 40 years celebration of Lockenhaus Kamermusikfest, and this hymn was first performed by Ilya Gringolts, Timothy Ridout, Maximilian Hornung, Nicholas Rimmer and Johannes Fischer on July 10 2021.
On the album Creation, released in 2022.
Maja S. K. Ratkje, on Hymn
Hymn for hope
Hymn for peace
Hymn for togetherness Hymn for reflection Hymn for Lockenhaus
The word hymn, from the Greek word hymnos, describes a «song of praise». To the celebration of Kammermusikfest Lockenhaus, I wanted to express my gratitude to and applaud the existence of such a long-standing and devoted festival for classical chamber music.
To me, music is first of all communication presuming human interaction. Communication described as interpretation, action between the performers, active participation with a human audience – performers, audience and composers communicating with history as well as with the present. The humble hymn is, thanks to human interplay and action, woven into a highly alive and ever changing musical knowledge.
The motivation is always communication. Musical communication will never grow out of fashion. It is older than our instruments, our venues and our scores, and any modern technology, no matter how high the resolution.
Maja S. K. Ratkje, December 2021