was birgst du so bang dein Gesicht?, composed for string orchestra in 2019 by Carlos Brito Dias during his residency with the Antwerpen Camerata, is a poignant exploration of themes surrounding life and death. Drawing inspiration from the haunting melodies and harmonic language of Franz Schubert's quartet "Der Tod und das Mädchen," Brito Dias skillfully weaves his own musical language with elements from Schubert's work. The title, borrowed from "Erlkönig" a poem by J.
W. von Goethe which also inspired F. Schubert, sets the stage for a contemplative journey into the fear we carry on our faces despite the often subtle nature of its origins. Through this musical exploration, Brito Dias navigates the complexities of life and death, drawing parallels to personal experiences of illness, struggle, and loss, particularly reflecting on his father's journey. The piece stands as a profound expression of these themes, capturing Brito Dias' unique voice as a composer and honouring Schubert's legacy. was birgst du so bang dein Gesicht? was selected for the ISCM 2024 in the Faroe Islands.