Klaag, kleinen, klaag de groten aan
J. S. Bach, BWV 224a

In 1727, Johann Sebastian Bach composed the oratorio Klagt, Kinder, klagt (BWV 244a), also known as the Köthener Trauermusik. The work consists of 27 movements and incorporates music from the Trauerode (BWV 198) and the St Matthew Passion (BWV 244). Its central themes are grief, sorrow and dealing with loss. Despite its artistic significance, the work remains largely unknown and is only rarely performed.

Former Dichter der Nederlanden Joke van Leeuwen - recipient of the Constantijn Huygens Prize and numerous other literary awards - has written an entirely new libretto for this project, focusing on the unequal distribution of power and wealth in the world. Her text places contemporary social questions in dialogue with Bach’s music, creating an encounter between an eighteenth-century masterpiece and present-day realities.

Ut Kwintet performs this work in a new arrangement specially created for the project by Matthias As, bassoonist of Ut Kwintet. He adapted the score for woodwind quintet and vocal soloists, transforming the original work into an intimate chamber-music setting.