Beschrijving

The title of Klaus-Peter Bruchmann’s “Askania” reveals historic associations. Ascania Castle near Aschersleben was the ancestral seat of a famous dynasty of German princes during the Middle Ages. The Ascanians ruled as dukes, margraves and prince-electors in the provinces of Anhalt, Brandenburg and Saxee-Wittenberg.

Without being truly programmatic, the composer portrays courtly life of the Middle Ages in musical scenes. Festive fanfare flourishes invite to knightly receptions and exuberant festivities. There are allusions to hunting parties and warlike activities, but also to intriguing among the castle’s inhabitants. There also are scenes of minnesong, as these lyric poems and songs constituted an indispensable element of daily life in those times.