Maria durch ein Dornwald ging

Ernst Irtel (1917-2003) was a Transylvanian composer and teacher. He was born in Sebeş (Mühlbach), studied in Cluj (Klausenburg), and worked as a music teacher at schools in Sebeş, Sibiu (Hermannstadt), Sighişoara (Schäßburg) and Mediaş (Mediasch). In 1987 he emigrated to Germany. The „Siebenbürgische Elegie“ is probably his most popular piece.

Irtel wrote vocal, piano, and chamber music and „Sechs Miniaturen für Orgel“, among them this wonderful piece, which I discovered a few weeks ago during an organ study visit to Transylvania. It does not treat the well-known song, but uses a melody by Irtel. However, you will discover some similarities.