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An article on the work by Ann Griffiths is in preparation - expected to be available October 2012. In the meantime here is a note from the CD: Franz Poenitz - Songs & Hymns for harp Spukhafte Gavotte Op.75 (1907) is subtitled ‘On a poem by Heinrich Heine’. The words ‘spuk’ (‘spook’) and ‘gavotte’ point to Heine’s poem Maria Antoinette, a ghostly work that depicts the queen in the Tuileries Palace: in ceremonial fashion, her courtiers prepare their mistress for her daily reception although the guillotine has already relieved them all of their heads. One can only speculate as to whether Poenitz was actually referring to this poem; for a court musician in contact with the emperor, such as an act would have been rather provocative! ©Andreas Fischer 2012. Translation Richard Evidon |