Ulrich Matthes & Merlin Ensemble Wien„Thomas Bernhards Zauberflötentraum“

The concert series MEISTERWERKE presents the cultural life in all its diversity at the Berliner Dom – from great classics to literary-musical evenings to club culture. Amidst sacred architecture and unique acoustics, unforgettable evenings are created – impressive, moving, inspiring.

Ulrich Matthes & Merlin Ensemble Wien
„Thomas Bernhards Zauberflötentraum“
Thursday, 23.10.2025
Entrance: 19:30, Start: 20:00
An evening between literature and music – poetic, multi-layered, inspiring.
Ulrich Matthes, one of the most significant actors of our time, reads from the autobiographical narratives “Der Keller” and “Der Atem” by Thomas Bernhard. Beside him: the award-winning Merlin Ensemble Wien, which opens a musical resonance space with music by Mozart, Beethoven, Louis Spohr, and Till A. Körber – in the spirit of Bernhard, for whom music has always been “the first and foremost specialty.”

The texts speak of survival, of resistance – and of the saving power of art. A sensitive portrait – musically framed by compositions that reflect, mirror, and comment on Bernhard’s world.
Mozart's The Magic Flute is one of those works whose incredible magic has inspired generations of composers, poets, and listeners. This opera, whose levels speak to both mind and heart, holds a unique place in music history. Thomas Bernhard was also fascinated by Mozart's music. “One day I went in the opposite direction,” he writes in “Der Keller.” He approached the people – it was his salvation. Like Tamino and Pamina in The Magic Flute, he too had to pass tests, almost search, in order to find his way independently and with his own will. His youth was marked by illness and isolation – but he continued on. Music was his protection. Mozart and The Magic Flute remained his dearest.

Participants:
Ulrich Matthes – Reading
Merlin Ensemble Wien:
Martin Walch – Violin & Direction
Luis Zorita – Cello
Till A. Körber – Piano
Text version: Vera Sturm

Program:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Fragment from the Overture to “The Magic Flute” KV 620
Till A. Körber – Compositions from “Microscopic Reflections” and “Mountain Music with Mozart”
Louis Spohr – Sonata in D Major op. 114 “Magic Flute Paraphrases”
Ludwig van Beethoven – Variations on “By men, who feel love”

Entrance: 19:30