Pierrots Galgenlieder

Kirchner’s œuvre spans a wide range of musical genres. Apart from numerous compositions for orchestra and for the music theatre the former professional viola player has always had a soft spot for chamber music. Though even in this sphere of “absolute and pure” art Kirchner’s music has strong connections with the more theatrical, the “Comédie huMayne” which is also reflected in his choice of titles (e.g. Mysterion, Il canto della notte, Lamento d’Orfeo, Exil). The clarinet proves to be the ideal instrument to bring out the somewhat scurrilous humour and character of Pierrot; no doubt, player and audience alike will conjure up suitable images (“scenes”) from the Commedia del’ arte.