The Parliaments of the Autonomous Provinces of Bolzano/Bozen and Trento have set themselves the goal of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Second Statute of Autonomy (1972-2022) with the universal language of music. For this special occasion, the South Tyrolean Provincial Council announced a composition competition, which was won by the young South Tyrolean composer Tobias Psaier with the present work „Memoria Dignum – Unvergessen – “ (unforgettable).
It describes the very complex history of South Tyrol, marked by numerous conflicts, wars and incredibly difficult decisions, but also all the agreements and compromises that were made to bring South Tyrol to where it is today. All of this makes this country something unique – and we can only hope that what happened will never be forgotten.
The basis of the motifs is formed by parts from typical Tyrolean melodies as well as characteristics of Italian, German and Ladin folk songs, which develop in the course of the work. After a somewhat quiet introduction that touches on harmonic and melodic motifs, the second part picks up properly. Shots are fired; war and option become the themes. In the quiet third part there is mourning, reflection, questioning of decisions. After an intermezzo of solo instruments follows the fourth part, which deals with contrasts and opposites, but finally ends in unity and a grandiose finale.