The “Tanzsuite mit Deutschlandlied” (Dance Suite with German National Anthem) was premiered in 1980 at the Donaueschingen Festival under the direction of Sylvain Cambreling. 35 years later, we have now filmed the piece, once again conducted by Cambreling, with the Staatsorchester Stuttgart and the Arditti Quartet. Sectional rehearsals with Helmut Lachenmann did not take place, but the approximately eight hours of orchestra rehearsals also provided much graphic material for the two rehearsal films.
In the interview film, the composer goes into detail about, for example, the structure of the piece in which he has dealt with a variety of dances and German Folk Songs. Lachenmann’s pre-concert speech, preparing the audience for the performance of the “Tanzsuite,” gives a special accent to the DVD.
(Wiebke Pöpel)

Please note that the DVD is in PAL broadcast television system.