Gonzalo Grau's oratorio "Aqua", a composition commissioned by the International Bach Academy Stuttgart, deals with the globally important topic of water. In Central Europe in particular, this precious commodity is often thoughtlessly wasted, while in other parts of the world it is in short supply. Furthermore, water has two sides, which Grau makes audible in his oratorio: it gives life, but can also take it away - in some places rain brings happiness, in others destruction. Water is a global theme and means different things to different cultures - which is reflected not least in the music, for example in Indian and African sounds.Venezuelan composer Gonzalo Grau's compositional style is characterized by diverse influences: "For me, a Gregorian melody is just as beautiful as a Cuban Santería chant. Indian ornamentation and baroque articulation can be in the same piece for me," says the composer. Special sound effects make "Aqua" a multicultural oratorio in which man and his environment are at the center. | First performance at the Liederhalle Stuttgart, 3.9.2011.
