Championing Distler's Gebrauchsmusik: A New Edition of the "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen Variations" from "Die Weihnachtsgeschichte," op. 10 (1933)

Abstract

This document was created to provide a new edition of Hugo Distler's Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen variations from Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, op. 10. Through my experiences with this work as a singer and a conductor it has become clear that, although the work was written for modest forces and was intended for practical use within a church service, the work's practicality is compromised due to a number of factors. Several editions of the variations exist, but all pose problems to modern choral ensembles. These problems include: lack of uniform barlines, which makes conducting the work difficult since Distler writes simultaneously contrasting meters throughout Die Weihnacthsgeschichte; omission of the surrounding texts for dramatic context; an antiquated German font that is difficult to read; English translations which obscure literal meaning and Distler's careful text-painting; and lack of a piano reduction. I demonstrate that it is possible to create a new edition of Distler's Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen variations that is more accessible to modern choral ensembles while respecting the composer's stylistic and dramatic intent. This edition (1) retains Distler's original meters but makes them easier to read by regularizing the barring; (2) includes other texts from the Weinachtsgeschichte to provide context for the variation texts; (3) is printed in a more legible modern font; (4) preserves the original German language but also provides English translations for the texts to make it easier for non-German speakers to understand meaning and recognize text-painting; and (5) includes a piano reduction of the vocal parts. The methodology I have used in the editorial process is provided and examples are discussed. I also provide suggestions for rehearsal procedures to help preserve the composer's stylistic intent. My completed new edition has been included for perusal.