»Ruhe, schönstes Glück der Erde« (»Repose, happiest fortune on earth«) says a song by Franz Schubert from 1819. How does »German romanticism« go with memories of people who voluntarily joined the SS in the 2nd World War and who completely contradict our image of »evil fascists«? Their lines of thoughts bring fascism within reach of our time.

Dutch artists Armando and Hans Sleutelaar tape recorded interviews with seven men and one woman, who have learnt nothing new. The publication of the book in 1967 caused a storm of outrage in the Netherlands due to its supposed »lack of moral framework«. This is not about a political statement but rather about the danger of normality and beauty.

The Muziektheater Transparant, Antwerp, a »laboratory« for young composers, is mainly dedicated to the dialogue between music and theatre. Josse De Pauw, born in Asse near Brussels in 1952, is one of the most renowned directors of Belgium and became mainly known throughout Europe with his play »Übung« (»Exercise«, Brussels 2002).

The performers in »Ruhe« (»Repose«) are twelve singers from the famous a capella choir Collegium Vocale Gent which was founded by Philippe Herreweghe in 1970. Today, with guest conductors such as Nikolaus Harnoncourt and Gustav Leonhardt, it is one of the most famous vocal ensembles in the world.

»De Pauw takes the listeners … to the pain threshold of human sympathy. Is it permissible to sympathise with someone who is unable to acknowledge his responsibility?« (Carsten Niemann, Tagesspiegel, Berlin, 26.11.2007).