Ein feste Burg ist unser Bach: Kagel’s dialogue with Bach

Abstract

Article is devoted to Bach-inspired works by Mauricio Kagel, namely Die Mutation, Chorbuch, Sankt-Bach-Passion choral compositions created by the composer from 1971 to 1985. Taking into account the analysis of the verbal series of Kagel’s works, as well as their intonational, timbre solution, the author concludes that there is a deep connection between three above-mentioned Kagel’s opuses. Each of the three compositions marks the next stage of the composer’s immersion into Bach’s work. Kagel elevates protestant Bach’s chorales to the rank of sacred music in the first two works. Thus he lays the foundation of the concept of the one of the most large-scale of his opuses, which is Sankt-Bach-Passion oratorio. In the last of the works examined Kagel introduces Bach like not just great composer of the past, but the musical Saint, who is the object of the worship of modern musicians.