Panel Discussion

»George Crumb’s Musical Cosmos«

Moderated by Prof. Dr. Christoph von Blumröder, Musicologist, University of Cologne

"Music can be a fusion of so many diverse, almost contradictory elements"
(George Crumb)

The American George Crumb, an icon of the composing world in the 20^th and 21^st centuries, turns 80 this year. Therefore Amerika Haus, in cooperation with the Collegium Musicum of the University of Cologne, announced an invitation to a panel discussion, in an attempt to better frame the musical cosmos of the Pulitzer Prize-winner.

At the University of Cologne, Ann Crumb, Tobias Hünermann, and several musicians from the Ensemble New Art discussed Crumb’s life and work. Since Crumb celebrates his 80^th birthday this year, it seemed fitting to include several of his past partners and accompanists in the discussion. Professor Peter Degenhardt, from the Academy of Music Cologne, for example, has worked with Crumb and his compositions for over thirty years. Together with Fuat Kent, he started the duo “Degenhardt/Kent,” which dedicated its 1989 work “Zeitgeist” to Crumb. Furthermore, he is a member of the Austrian Ensemble New Art, and as such has played Crumb’s music in numerous concerts throughout Europe and the USA. Thanks to his deep bond with Crumb, he lent a casual air to the conversation, granted him by his personal insight into Crumb’s work.

 

 

 

It was also a gift for the audience to meet the Soprano Ann Crumb, the daughter of the great composer. Ann Crumb came relatively late to music. She first made a name for herself as an actress on Broadway in New York and in London’s West End. For her theatrical portrayals, she has won numerous awards in the category of “best actress,” among others. In 2001 she persuaded her father to compose a songbook based on children’s songs that her mother had once sung to her. That is how George Crumb’s first songbook, entitled “Unto the Hills” and dedicated to his daughter, came into being.

 

 

Inspired by this first effort, Ann Crumb put together an entire song cycle called the Complete Crumb Edition. Its success led Ann Crumb solidly down the path of music as well. The interpretation of her father’s series Three Early Songs can also be found in George Crumb’s 70^th Birthday Album, which was honored with a Grammy Award.

 

Following the discussion, the captivated audience had the chance to mingle with the speakers and musicians over cocktails.