Born in Aarau Widmer spent his childhood and teenage years in an art-loving home. In 1934 he received his first instruction in piano. From 1939 until 1943 he attended school (pre undergraduate) in Aarau, he said, "At the age of fourteen I realised that I belonged to music". From 1943 until 1947 he attended college in Aarau and was instructed in piano and the theory of harmony by Otto Kuhn. During this time he formed lifelong friendships, discovered the music of Strawinsky, Hindemith and Bartok and produced his first compositions. Following his undergraduate studies he studied composition and counterpoint (Willy Burkhard), piano (Walter Frey), conducting (Paul Müller), school singing (Ernst Hörler) and analysis (Rudolf Wittelsbach). He was strongly influenced by Burkhards' skill as a teacher and Freys' mediation of modern music. He composed 'Fünf Lieder im alten Stil' in 1949, this is now known as opus 1. He received his diploma in all subjects in 1950 and from then on until 1956 he was the conductor of a church choir in Aarau, a teacher for choral singing at college and a private piano teacher. He closely followed the development of new music. He had early success with his compositions for choir, lieder, instrumental ensembles and solo instruments; this led to numerous composition commissions for radio. These and earlier recordings by radio DRS were later deleted. In 1955 he married the Brazilian singer Sonja Born. After sensing the constriction of Switzerland he remained in Brazil after taking a holiday there in 1956. In the same year he was engaged as a teacher for music theory and choir conducting (later extended to piano teacher) at the 'Seminarios livres da Música' (which later became the music school as part of the 'Universidade Federal da Bahia') in Salvador da Bahia. He was appointed this position by the director H.J. Koellreuter who was then a central figure in the Brazilian music scene. From 1958 until 1967 he led the colleges madrigal choir to international renown, producing compositions for the choir, making recordings and touring. In 1962 he married again, this time to Adriana Bispo (also known as 'Lys') who was the solo soprano in the madrigal choir. Together they had three children. In 1963 he succeeded Koellreutter as teacher for composition and counterpoint. His teaching activities were later extended to improvisation, orchestration, conducting and musical education. From 1963 until 1965, 1967 until 1969 and 1976 until 1980 he was director of the music school in Bahia. In 1966 he founded the 'Grupo de Compositores da Bahia'. Widmer was the intellectual and spiritual mentor for the next generation of Brazilian composers. "Groups but no schools".
In 1967 he accepted citizenship of Brazil under the protection of Swiss citizenship. He was artistic director of the Festival for New Music in Bahia from 1969 until 1973 and then from 1974 until 1982 he was artistic director of the 'Festival de Arte Bahia'. He brought Brazilian composers as well as European and North American contemporary performers to the stage.
Sechs kleine Orgelstücke op. 20 (six little pieces for organ op. 20) (1959)
Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (Hommage à A. Honegger) - Es kommt ein Schiff geladen - Vom Himmel hoch - In dulci jubilo - Der Mond ist aufgegangen / Ich liege Herr, in deiner Hut - Nachspiel
Duration: 12' 00" Manuscript
Partita I op. 19 (1960)
Instrumentation: for oboe
Pastorale - Sarabande - Menuett - Polka - Gigue
Duration: 11' 00" Manuscript
Gráfico de la Petenera op. 21 a (1955-1960)
Instrumentation: for high voice (soprano or tenor), 2 violins, viola and violoncello
Texts: Federico García Lorca
Campana: Bordon - Camino - Las seis cuerdas - Danza - Muerte de la Petenera - Falseta - De Profundis - Clamor
Duration: 22' 00" Manuscript
Gráfico de la Petenera op. 21 (1961)
Instrumentation: for high voice (soprano or tenor) and guitar
Texts: Federico García Lorca
Campana: Bordon - Camino - Las seis cuerdas - Danza - Muerte de la Petenera - Falseta - De Profundis - Clamor
2nd version of opus 21a.
Duration: 21' 00" Manuscript
Côco 1961 op. 22 (1961)
Divertimento III
Instrumentation: for flute, clarinet, horn, piano and 5 percussionists
Duration: 16' 00" Manuscript
Kyrie op. 46 (1961)
Instrumentation: for mixed a-cappella choir (SATB)
Duration: 5' 00" Manuscript
La belle se siet op. 25 (1961)
variations rondo after a 3-part chanson by Guillaume Dufay
Instrumentation: for recorder (a version for oboe solo also available)
Including original score and text (anonymous, middle French).
Oboe version = minor third deeper, 1962.
Duration: 6' 00" Manuscript
Partita II op. 23 (1961-1965)
Instrumentation: for flute and harpsichord (or piano)
Präludium - Pantomime - Loure - Gigue - Choral
Duration: 16' 00" Manuscript
Te Deum op. 31 (1961-1963)
Instrumentation: for six-part choir (SMsATBarB) and orchestra (2.3.2.3/3.2.2.1/perc/2hp.pf/str)
Duration: 17' 00" Manuscript
Veni redemptor gentium op. 24 (1961)
Advent music
Instrumentation: for 7 brass instrumentalists (3tpt, 2tbn, tba)
Duration: 4' 00" Manuscript
Wettinger Sternsingerspiel op. 52 (1961-1968)
Christmas oratorio
Instrumentation: for solo voices or choir, instruments ad lib.
Texts: Silja Walter
Duration: 17' 00" Manuscript
Bloco I op. 27 (1962/1987)
Instrumentation: for 14 instruments (1.1.1.1/1.1.1.0/vib.pf/2.1.1.1)
2nd version 1987.
Duration: 9' 00" Manuscript
Ceremony After a Fire Raid op. 28 (1962/1987)
Instrumentation: for mixed a-cappella choir (SATB)
Texts: Dylan Thomas
2nd version 1987.
Duration: 12' 00" Manuscript
Drei Lieder op. 29 (1962)
Instrumentation: for baritone, bass clarinet, harp (also baritone and piano)
Texts: Gottfried Benn
Eingeengt - Die trunkenen Fluten - Die vielen Dinge.
Duration: 6' 00" Manuscript
Hommage à Igor Strawinsky op. 18 a (1962)
Instrumentation: for oboe and orchestra (fl.ca.cl.bcl.bn/hn.tpt/hp/88654)
2 versions; 1st version is a reduction for oboe and piano.
Duration: 4' 00" Manuscript
Streichquartett I op. 26 (string quartet I op. 26) (1962)
"O Zodíaco"
Duration: 20' 00" Manuscript
Divertimento I op. 30 (1963-1965)
"Strubelpeter"
Instrumentation: for choir (SATB), 2 pianos, percussion
Texts: Heinrich Hoffmann
Duration: 32' 00" Manuscript
Drei portugiesische Liederzyklen op. 32 (2. Zyklus) (three Portuguese song cycles op.32 (2nd cycle) (1964)
Instrumentation: for alto (or bass) and piano
Texts: Carlos Drummond de Andrade, Vinícius de Moraes, Fernando Pessoa
11 variations over a French theme from the 15th century
Instrumentation: for wind band (2.2.2.2/3.3.3.1) and percussion
Duration: 10' 00" Manuscript
Rondo mobile op. 54 (1968)
Instrumentation: for piano
Duration: 7' 00"
Gerig
Musikverlag CH-
Sechs geistliche Gesänge op. 55 (1968)
Instrumentation: for solo voice or choir (monophonic) and organ
Jesus nasceu! - Hino de completas - O Cristo ressuscitou - Tão sublime sacramento – Lembra-te do teu criador - Cantai.
Duration: 12' 00" Manuscript
Sinfonische Ouvertüre op. 58 (1968)
Instrumentation: for orchestra (pic.2.2.ca.3.2.cbn/4.3.3.1/5perc/str)
Duration: 7' 00" Manuscript
Diuturno op. 61 (1969)
Instrumentation: for orchestra (3.2.ca.2.bcl.2.cbn/4.3.3.1/4perc/str)
Duration: 15' 00" Manuscript
Pulsars op. 62 (1969)
Instrumentation: for clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, percussion, violin and double bass
Duration: 9' 00" Manuscript
Quintett II für Bläser op. 63 (1969)
Instrumentation: for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn
Notturno - Tanz - Epilog.
Duration: 13' 00" Manuscript
Drei Choräle für die protestantische Liturgie op. 66 (three chorals for the protestant liturgy op. 66) (1970)
Instrumentation: for solo voice or unisono choir and organ
Texts: Silja Walter
Duration: 3' 00" Manuscript
Es singt die heil'ge Mitternacht op. 68 (1970)
Small Christmas oratorio
Instrumentation: for soli (SATB), 3 choirs (SATB/SA/TTBB), flute, guitar (or e-gtr), organ and percussion (triangle, tambourine, glockenspiel)
Texts: Silja Walter
Duration: 35' 00" Manuscript
Messe V op. 65 (1970-1977)
Instrumentation: for mixed choir (SATB, and congregation), organ, 1 melodic instrument
Texts: Silja Walter
Duration: 13' 00" Manuscript
Quasars op. 69 (1970)
Instrumentation: for orchestra (3.3.3.3/4.3.3.1/5perc/hp.pf.cel(ad lib.)/str)
Duration: 13' 00" Manuscript
Sinopse op. 64 (1970)
Instrumentation: for soprano, choir (SATB), trio (vn, vc, pf) and orchestra (3.3.3.3/4.3.3.1/3perc/str min. 9.9.6.6.4)
Texts: Jorge de Lima
Duration: 12' 00" Manuscript
Vier Präludien op. 67 (four preludes op. 67) (1970)
Instrumentation: for organ
Duration: 6' 00" Manuscript
Messe VI op. 73 (1971)
Instrumentation: for tenor or soprano, mixed choir (unisono), congregation, flute, trumpet, violoncello and organ
Texts: Silja Walter
Duration: 10' 00" Manuscript
Plexo op. 74 (1971)
Instrumentation: for piano trio
Duration: 3' 00" Manuscript
Prismas op. 70 (1971)
Instrumentation: for piano and orchestra (1.1.1.1/1.1.0.0/2perc/str)
Duration: 21' 00" Manuscript
Rumos op. 72 (1971-1973)
Instrumentation: for speaker, Walter Smetak's instruments, choir (SMsATBarB), orchestra (2.2.2.2/4.3.3.1/+-6perc/pf/str) tape and the public
Texts: Ernst Widmer
I. Rumos no Mundo Sonoro (Directions in the world of sound); II. Rumo Sol: Espiral (direction sun: Spiral).
Walter Smetak's instruments are stored a the University of Bahia.
Duration: 29' 00" Manuscript
ENTROncamentos SONoros op. 75 (1972)
Instrumentation: for piano, 5 trombones, percussion, strings, tape
Further versions:
a) Piano, tape, 5 trombones
b) Piano, tape
c) Piano solo
Duration: 21' 00" Manuscript
Gott wird Mensch op. 76 (1972)
A Christmas Mass play
Instrumentation: for 3 choirs (monophonic), instruments ad lib.)
Score:
Soprano, alto, 2 tenors, bass, 5 mimers, 1 worker, mixed choir (SATB), 5 instrumentalists: fl, cl, vc, perc, keyboard instrument (pf, org, hpd).
Also in a version for choir and orchestra (3.3.3.3/4.3.3.1/3perc/str).
German translation of the libretto by Ernst Widmer.
Instrumentation: for same or mixed voices (additional instruments: percussion, guitar)
Texts: Paulo Bonfim, Vinícius de Moraes, Cecília Meireles, Antônio Brasileiro, Carlos Drummond de Andrade, João Texeira Gomes, Fernando
1. A verdade, 2. O pato, 3. Ou isto ou aquilo, 4. A janela, 5. A emenda e o soneto, 6. A lagoa, 7. O pão, 8. Ritmo, 9. A criança, 10. Para ir lua, 11. Pra lá pra cá
Duration: 40' 00" Manuscript
Drei Skizzen für Streichtrio op. 114 (three sketches for string trio op. 114) (1979)
String trio II
Duration: 13' 00" Manuscript
Konzert für Klarinette und Klavier op. 116 (concert for clarinet and piano op. 116) (1979)
Instrumentation: for 13 instruments (1.0.1.1/1.1.0.0/2perc/pf/2.1.1.1)
Duration: 6' 00" Manuscript
Do Romanceiro da Inconfidência op. 146 (1985-1986)
14 romances over the 1789 conspiracy, with preface and closing speech
Instrumentation: for mixed a-cappella choir (SATB)
Texts: Cecília Meireles
Duration: 90' 00" Manuscript
Konzert für Fagott, Schlagzeug und Streicher op. 148 (concert for bassoon, percussion and strings op.148) (1985)
Allegro - Aria (Homage to J. S. Bach) - Largo, Animado.
Duration: 19' 00" Manuscript
Konzert für Kontrabass und Orchester op. 147 (concert for double bass and orchestra op. 147) (1985-1986)
Instrumentation: for solo double bass and orchestra (2(pic).2.2.2.ssx.asx/2.2.2.0/2perc/pf/str)
Duration: 30' 00" Manuscript
Órbita op. 151 (1985)
Instrumentation: for violoncello and piano
Duration: 9' 00" Manuscript
Círios da Paz op. 158 (1986)
Christmas cantata in seven parts
Instrumentation: for choir and orchestra (2.pic.2.ca.requinta.2.bcl.2.cbn/4.3.3.1/timp.6perc/hp.pf/str)
Texts: João Guimarães Rosa
Duration: 23' 00" Manuscript
De Canto em Canto op. 159 (1986)
Von Lied zu Lied
Instrumentation: for variable, spatially distributed orchestral groups (woodwind, brass, percussion, strings)
The work is based on four folksongs from the São Francisco province.
Duration: 13' 00" Manuscript
Drei Stücke für Kinderchor und Klavier op. 152 (three pieces for children's choir and piano op. 152) (1986)
Texts: Cassiano Ricardo
O cacto - O irmão adiado - Ladainha.
Duration: 11' 00" Manuscript
Konzert für Posaune und Orchester op. 155 (concert for trombone and orchestra op. 155) (1986)
Instrumentation: for solo trombone and orchestra (2.pic.2.2.2/3.3.3.1/3perc/pf/str)
Manuscript
Natal do novo homem op. 154 (1986)
Cantata
Instrumentation: for choir (SATB) and orchestra (2.pic.2.ca.requinta.2.bcl.2.cbn/4.3.3.1/timp.6perc/pf.hp/str)
Texts: Bandeira Tribuzi
Duration: 18' 00" Manuscript
Paisagem Baiana IV, "Lagoa do Abaeté" op. 149 (1986)
Bahian landscape IV, "Lagune von Abaeté"
Instrumentation: for flute (alto flute), violin, viola and violoncello
Sehr ruhig - Scherzando.
Duration: 14' 00" Manuscript
Paisagem Baiana VI, "Toadas do Rio São Francisco" op. 156 (1986)
Bahian landscape VI, "Lieder vom Rio São Francisco"
Instrumentation: for orchestra (2.pic.2.2.2.cbn/4.3.3.1/timp.3perc/str)
Also available in a version for piano and trombone.
Duration: 5' 00" Manuscript
Sinfonia IV op. 153 (1986)
Instrumentation: for soli (MezBar), choir (SATB) and orchestra (2.pic.2.ca.2.bcl.2.cbn/4.3.3.1/timp.4perc/2hp.pf.cel/str)
Texts: Fernando Pessoa
Duration: 32' 00" Manuscript
Streichquartett VIII op. 157 (string quartet VIII op. 157) (1986)
Quarteto amabile orr Friedensquartett
Presto quasi calmo, sempre amabile - Adagio ansioso, sempre amabile - Calmo quasi presto e sempre amabile.
Second version of the third movement from Tropos - Sinfonia IV op. 153.
Duration: 18' 00" Manuscript
Cosmofonia III op. 163 (1987)
Instrumentation: for soprano saxophone or clarinet
Duration: 6' 00" Manuscript
Surface II op. 111 b (1987)
Instrumentation: for string orchestra
Second version of "Surface I" op. 111 a (1978).
Duration: 12' 00" Manuscript
Cosmofonia I, "Aura" op. 161 (1987)
Instrumentation: for small orchestra (2.2.2.2/2.1.1.0/3perc/str)
Duration: 7' 00" Manuscript
Cosmofonia II op. 162 (1987)
Instrumentation: for violoncello
Duration: 4' 00" Manuscript
Brasiliana op. 166 (1988)
Instrumentation: for flute, violoncello and harpsichord
Duration: 14' 00" Manuscript
Cosmofonia IV op. 164 (1988)
"Eros - Thanatos"
Instrumentation: for flute, viola and harp
Bratschensolo - Erscheinen der Harfe - Flötensolo - Lied der Rapunzel - Trialog - Transitio, Vernetzung - Choral, Todesahnung und brasilianisches Lied - Tanz der Kraniche - Exodus.
Duration: 21' 00" Manuscript
Cuatro Madeiras op. 170 a (1988)
Four woodwind
Instrumentation: for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon
Preludio - Juazeiro.
Duration: 8' 00" Manuscript
De Canto em Canto II, "Possivel Resposta" op. 169 (1988)
Von Lied zu Lied II, "Mögliche Antwort"
Instrumentation: for three orchestral groups (2.2.2.2/3.2.2.1/3perc/str(without db) and Bahian crneval group "Afoxé, Os filhos de Gandhi" (or other groups)
"Answer" to Charles Ives' work "The Unanswered Question".
Duration: 45' 00" Manuscript
Konzert für Klavier, Schlagzeug und Orchester op. 160 (concert for piano, percussion and orchestra op. 160) (1988)
Instrumentation: orchestra: 2(2.pic).2(2.ca).2(2.bcl).2/4.3.3.1/timp.3perc/str (with 8 deep male voices ad lib.)
Duration: 30' 00" Manuscript
Neues Klavierheft op. 170 (new piano book op. 170) (1988)
32 pieces
Duration: 55' 00" Manuscript
Paisagem grapiuna op. 167 (1988)
Instrumentation: for small orchestra
Duration: 10' 00" Manuscript
Toadas dos Romeiros do São Francisco op. 168 (1988)
Songs of the pilgrims from the São Francisco province
Instrumentation: for string orchestra
Andante, vivo, andante - Largo - Allegretto - Lento, amplo.
Duration: 12' 00" Manuscript
Trio Basso op. 171 (1988)
"Seufzer - Schatten - Riten"
Instrumentation: for viola, violoncello and double bass
Duration: 12' 00" Manuscript
Surface III op. 111 c (1989)
Instrumentation: for string orchestra
Third version of "Surface I" op. 111 a (1978).
Duration: 12' 00" Manuscript
Tiradentes op. 172 a (1989)
En forma de lamentação, se dirige ao povo infiel
Instrumentation: for baritone and piano
Texts: Dantas Motta
Duration: 3' 00" Manuscript
Ópera da Liberdade op. 172 (1989)
large opera woth prologue, 3 acts and epilogue
Texts: Myriam Fraga
Act 1: Utopia; Act 2: Peripécia; Act 3: Malogro
Soli: Marília (S), Dona Maria I (S), Bárbara Heliodora (Ms), O Aleijadinho (Bassbar), Tiradentes (Bar), Antônio Gonzaga (Dirceu) (T), Alvarenga (B), Visc. de Barbacena (B), Silvério (T)
Four mixed choir groups, male choir, female choir
Orchestra: 3(rec).3.3.2(crmhn)/4.3.3.1/timp.3perc/hp.pf.hpd.gtr/12.10.8.8.6
Act 3 remains unfinished due to the death of the composer.
Manuscript
Ich liege, Herr, in deiner Hut op. 173 (1989)
Instrumentation: for organ
After the original melody by Willy Burkhard.
Duration: 12' 00" Manuscript
Discography
Aargauer Orgelmusik im 20. Jahrhundert (Musiques Suisses Nr. 6253, 2007)