This edition was prepared by Charles Pearson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Die traurige Krönung
Staff Notation • Secular, Lieder
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SATB · Gerd Eichler
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Die traurige Krönung by Hugo Distler — Lyrics
Es war ein König Milesint,
Von dem will ich euch sagen:
Der meuchelte sein Bruderskind,
Wollte selbst die Krone tragen.
Die Krönung ward mit Prangen
Auf LiffeySchloß begangen.
O Irland! Irland! warest du so blind?
Der König sitzt um Mitternacht
Im leeren Marmorsaale,
Sieht irr in all die neue Pracht,
Wie trunken von dem Mahle;
Er spricht zu seinem Sohne:
"Noch einmal bring die Krone!
Doch schau, wer hat die Pforten aufgemacht?"
Da kommt ein seltsam Totenspiel,
Ein Zug mit leisen Tritten,
Vermummte Gäste groß und viel,
Eine Krone schwankt in Mitten;
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About Die traurige Krönung
Hugo Distler's Die traurige Krönung is a setting of a dramatic German ballad, likely intended for concert performance. The text recounts a grim tale of regicide and usurpation, with the new king haunted by his deed. The SATB voicing allows for rich harmonic expression as the narrative unfolds, from the ostentatious coronation to the spectral visitation that concludes the king's downfall. The composer uses the stark imagery of the text to create a powerful musical drama, a chilling exploration of guilt and consequence. This piece would be an effective choice for choirs looking for a challenging and evocative secular work with a strong narrative.
