Pablo (Pau) Casals (1876-1973): Friedensoratorium «El Pessebre / Die Krippe»

"El Pessebre / Die Krippe" - Peace Oratorio by Pablo (Pau) Casals

Under the influence of the 2nd World War, Casals wrote a peace oratorio in exile in France. Casals wrote "El Pessebre" in exile in France in 1943 with his friend and poet Joan Alavedra and called it "Peace Oratorio". Casals' brother Enrique orchestrated the work, which was premiered in 1960 - conducted by the composer.

On the way to the manger (Pessebre) in the stable in Bethlehem, the shepherds encounter people who - looking into the future - recount episodes from the story of Jesus: Thus the fisherman, who tells of the catch of fish that Jesus will distribute among the crowd. The old woman at the spindle sings of the shroud for which she is spinning the thread. Casals sets the stories to music in a lively and vivid way: the music of the Three Kings' arduous march makes you smile - you can even hear the camels wailing! Arriving at the manger, the kings and shepherds sing a song of praise that ends with the message that was important to Casals: "Pau! / Peace!".

Pablo (Pau) Casals - a lifelong commitment to peace

Pablo (Pau) Casals (1876-1973) became world-famous as a Catalan cellist, but also worked as a conductor and composer. The Spanish Civil War forced him into exile in Prades (France) at the end of 1936. Throughout his life, Casals tirelessly campaigned for peace, democracy and freedom. Casals also always insisted on being called Pau - not only because this was his Catalan first name, but because in Catalan this word means peace.

Anniversary "40 years of the Aargauer Kantorei"
The I MUSICI GIOVANI choir was founded in 1985, the "Year of Music", and has developed over time into the Aargauer Kantorei it is today. It is celebrating its 40th anniversary with this year's Advent concerts.