Hauschka is the alias of German pianist / composer Volker Bertelmann, who currently resides in Dusseldorf. Havin only recenlty released Foreign Landscapes in October last year he has unveiled a new release titled Salon des Amateurs.
As would be expected by anyone that has followed his work he has set out to explore new ground, this time focusing on the percussive qualities of the treated piano. Interpretations venture into “techno and house music” although I’d leave any ideals you may have on this at the door before listening. Drum kit and orchestral instrumentation allow the creation of an expansive yet very uplifting new sound but there is also playfulness, the line taken between classical and dance music leaves it outside of both camps making it an inventive yet rousing creation to add to his growing releases. As well as featuring múm drummer Samuli Kosminen, Calexico’s John Convertino and Joe Burns also join the rank of collaborators.
The album title is taken from the name of bar from his native Düsseldorf. It is also the venue for annual piano festival he presents.
Having studied classical piano for ten years, his work as Hauschka is based upon a playful exploration of the possibilities of the ‘prepared’ piano – a playfully disruptive intervention into the preconceived idea of the piano as a pure-toned, perfected instrument waiting for a gifted virtuoso to play on it.
Hauschka will be performing along with percussionist Samuli Kosminen (from Múm/Morr Music) + Minotaur Shock (Melodic/4AD) with DJ set from Ryan Teague (Type) at The 100 Club on 10th May. Tickets here.
The following amusing video is taken from his last album Foreign Landscapes.
From Salon Des Amateurs
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Artist Link:
Buy Album:
Amazon UK: Salon Des Amateurs