Browse by Artist: HAUSCHKA

Artist:	HAUSCHKA
Title:	Ferndorf
Label:	FAT CAT (UK)
Format:	LP
Price:	$15.00
Catalog #:	FAT 1308LP

Limited vinyl release. Originally released on CD late 2008. "Bertelmann takes an approach to piano founded in mid-20th century avant-garde, brings along a few other instruments form the classical world, and pushes the whole in the direction of simplicity, remaining unapologetically musical and getting over on chords, melody, and a little bit of texture. How appropriate that the record comes to us from the Fat Cat label, home of Max Richter and Mice Parade. Like these artists, Bertelmann has a way of pulling aspects of several genres not necessarily known for their accessibility into an instantly likable whole. Ferndorf is the sort of record that can brighten any room." -- Pitchfork

Artist:	HAUSCHKA
Title:	Substantial
Label:	KARAOKE KALK (GERMANY)
Format:	CD
Price:	$14.50
Catalog #:	KK 025CD

"The Scene: The Welsh mountains, remote and harsh, a special place. A good place to produce a special album. The characters: Volker Bertelmann in his friend Adam Fuests' studio, equipped with only a piano and a laptop. The Project: To record a album of piano music. Title: Hauschka. Substantial is a snapshot of a life spent with the black and white keys, and is simultaneously both moment and history, thought and feeling, yet without turning into a unduly meaningful concept album. Rather, Substantial is based upon the least conceptual of all concepts: Improvisation. Each track is based upon an opening sequence, the theme of which is extended, modulated and varied with, as far as form or length is concerned, no specific objective in mind. What has come out is music of a differing, well, substance: Eleven atmospheric pieces in which a variety of different techniques overlap and rhythmical images with narrative depth unfold; in which further instruments, such as double bass or vibraphone make a fleeting appearance, at once lending a hint of pop, but at no time detracting from the piano as central instrument; in which experimental and electronic music is accessed without compromising the directness and ease of the improvisational approach."

Artist:	HAUSCHKA
Title:	The Prepared Piano
Label:	KARAOKE KALK (GERMANY)
Format:	CD
Price:	$14.50
Catalog #:	KK 031CD

Pianist and composer Volker Bertelmann releases his second album with Karaoke Kalk, The Prepared Piano. With his debut release, Substantial, Bertelmann proved himself a master of deconstructed piano sounds, experimenting with form and the interplay of single, sustained piano notes against the backdrop of a few selected instruments. In the same way, The Prepared Piano is focused on just one piano, and a smattering of synthesizer, bass and drum, though it sounds as if there is an entire orchestra accompanying him. Tracing back his roots, and continuing a new tradition expressed by current composerArvo Pärt, Steffan Schleiermacher, Frangis Ali-Sade, Edison Denissow, and Philip Corner, Bertelmann rediscovers the masters of the prepared piano such as Bartok's contemporary Henry Cowell, John Cage, and Otto Schrager, with echoes of Satie and Ravel. Hauschka finds the possibilities in nontraditional technique, clamping wedges of leather, felt or rubber between the piano-strings, preparing hammers with aluminum paper or rough films, placing crown corks on the strings, or weaving in guitar strings. The result is small rhythmic sound-vignettes and quiet ballads which all have their roots in East Asian harmonies and minimalism. These are vivid, unconventional pieces of music that are made of playful research and child-like enthusiasm -- academically illuminated.

Artist:	HAUSCHKA
Title:	Versions of the Prepared Piano
Label:	KARAOKE KALK (GERMANY)
Format:	CD
Price:	$14.50
Catalog #:	KK 038CD

How do you remix a piano solo? Artists Èglantine Gouzy, Barbara Morgenstern, Nobukazu Takemura, Wechsel Garland, Takeo Toyama, TG Mauss, Vert, Frank Bretschneider, Mira Calix, Chica And The Folder and Tarwater remix, rework, and redefine the fragile experiments on Hauschka's 2005 release, The Prepared Piano, which opened many ears to the multiple sound possibilities of the piano. Versions... features reworks that redefine composerly piano work. Hauschka selected different musicians who each picked up one of his compositions as a basis. The results transgress the boundaries of ordinary remixes: material being added en masse, Hauschka's complete, perfected works all at once function as basic tracks on which more and more layers are stacked. This can be at times opulent as with Vert, or tranquil like Èglantine Gouzy's finished piece. Hauschka's piano integrates itself as both a rhythmic and melodic element and presets the conditions for composition. TG Mauss' melancholic pop track demonstrates this procedure to an almost exemplary extent. We are dealing with something quite extraordinary apart from the original. Hauschka himself changes one track into a sensitive Beach Boys experiment. Nobukazu Takemura introduces a new impressionistic texture -- with vocals that add space. This is piano pop that really stretches its sounds. Sometimes Hauschka is featured in the background, as with Barbara Morgenstern or sometimes he is the lone accompanist, as with Mira Calix. Chica and the Folder make it completely impossible to divide the different complements, while Tarwater accompany you to the home of the prepared piano: "He wonders how far he had travelled," they sing. Indeed, this album represents a long journey to most astonishing places.

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