Georg Friedrich Haas: In Vain (Ensemble Dal Niente, 02/28/13)

www.dalniente.com

A cornerstone of the 2012-13 season, Dal Niente presented the Chicago premiere of Haas’ In Vain on February 28, 2013 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, a work regarded by many to be the first musical masterpiece of the 21st century. Inspired in part by the composer’s discontent toward far-right political victories in Austria in 2000, Haas plays with opposing forces of light and darkness, activity and stasis, culminating in dramatic waves of sound performed by the ensemble in complete darkness, a process which upsets the expectations of musicians and listeners alike and highlights the work’s experiential qualities.

Michael Lewanski, conductor
Zak Malsich, lighting
Jason Elewski, videographer

This performance was made possible with the friendly support of the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation and the cultural services of the Austrian Consulate General Chicago.