Peter Schindler
5 Questions for the Composer
Peter Schindler and Carus – a partnership going back decades.
What began in 1985 with the Urwaldsong – still a hit with children’s choirs by the way! – has now reached a (provisional) climax with the publication of perpetuum mobile. A labor of love for Schindler, this new work is based on extracts from the famous Codex Buranus, a collection of medieval song and dramatic texts from the Benedictine monastery Benediktbeuern. By framing the multi-layered Latin poems in the musical language of the 21st century, we hear these ancient words in an entirely new way. One thing is certain: choirs will be captivated! Here Peter Schindler tells us about his major musical influences and what he’s currently composing:
What was your very first composition?
An instrumental work back in 1973 for my first school band. In a jazz rock style, it’s scored for electric bass, electric guitar, Hammond organ and drums.
Which other composers inspire you?
Erik Satie, Franz Schubert and George Gershwin, among others.
Your most thrilling musical experience to date?
Tübingen, March 17, 1979 – jazz at the Prinz Karl venue. The Art Ensemble of Chicago played in its original line-up with Lester Bowie, Roscoe Mitchell, Joseph Jarman, Malachi Favors and Don Moye. The band’s musical flow, their improvisational interactions, their outfits, everything about them simply blew me away. I was just 18 years old. After almost 45 years, I still remember how it got to me. My understanding of music was changed forever.
Where do you like to compose?
At home, with a hot drink and some dried fruit.
What are you currently working on?
Seasonal songs
When not composing or making music, I like to …
enjoy some peace and quiet.
Perpetuum mobile
Peter Schindler has set 44 texts from the Codex to create a new 90-minute song cycle in 4 acts for soloists, chorus, jazz quartet and string ensemble (ad lib.).
Carus 10.602/00
Sonne, Mond und Sterne (Sun, Moon and Stars)
Scenic cantata in two acts
Carus 10.601/00
Missa in Jazz
The Missa in Jazz is based on the five parts of the Ordinary of Roman Catholic liturgy. These texts, which originated at the time of early Christianity, have served as inspiration for composers throughout the ages. Missa in Jazz continues this tradition and encounters the words and meanings of the Ordinary of the Mass through the elements of jazz – improvisation and pulsating rhythm – one of the musical languages possible in the present age.
CD Missa in Jazz. Version for quartet
Sonne, Mond und Sterne (Sun, Moon and Stars)
Peter Schindler’s full-length secular choral work Sonne, Mond und Sterne (Sun, Moon and Stars) narrates a love story based on “old” texts which are given a new interpretation through these musical settings.
- choral work of medium difficulty
- will appeal to experienced Brahms Requiem singers as well as ambitious chamber or youth choirs with a gospel, pop or jazz background
- cross-over between jazz, chanson, and chamber music
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