Browse by Label: ZEITKRATZER (GERMANY)

Artist:	FRIEDL, REINHOLD
Title:	Schönberg Pierrot Lunaire -- Cheap Imitation
Label:	ZEITKRATZER (GERMANY)
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	ZKR 001CD

Berlin's Reinhold Friedl is a practitioner of the inside-piano technique and founder and director of the Zeitkratzer and Piano-Inside-Out ensembles. His piece, Schönberg Pierrot Lunaire -- Cheap Imitation is exactly what the title says: an endless funny parody of Schönberg's Pierrot Lunaire, a composition often taken far too seriously. At the same time, it is a compositional condensation of Schönberg's techniques, conducted in a genius way by trumpet player Franz Hautzinger from Vienna, a longtime-member of Zeitkratzer; sung by the soprano Marcus Weiser, who has succeeded already in Berlin as a singer under the name of Mark Markowitsch. Just fun, short and concentrated, as it should be connected to the second Vienna school. Commissioned by Wiener Festwochen, premiered at Konzerthaus Vienna. Recorded live at Donaufestival Krems, Austria, April 24, 2006.

Artist:	ZEITKRATZER
Title:	Volksmusik
Label:	ZEITKRATZER (GERMANY)
Format:	CD
Price:	$17.00
Catalog #:	ZKR 002CD

The Zeitkratzer international soloists ensemble does their own take on Volksmusik: literally, the "people's music" of the Alpine regions of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, etc. However, Zeitkratzer comes up with their own sound, and their own interpretation, immersing themselves into folk music as still existing today, not some leftover phantom of older days and older traditions. To prepare for this material, they focused their research on the music of the Danube abutters and used every kind of found material that proposed itself for further use: waltz-reminiscences were inescapable, zither and dulcimer were tested for their capability to produce pure noise, and the trumpet sings the pure and naive overtones of mountain solitude. Influences from the lower Danube valley are felt within the pieces' rhythmical eruptions, with everything leading to a wonderful, free uprooting. Listen, be wild, enjoy! Der Standard newspaper in Vienna has high praise for the first performance at the Donaufestival: "It tested folk music from the Danube region by means of classical modernity and for its capacity for moments of humor." All music by Reinhold Friedl and Maurice De Martin.

Artist:	ZEITKRATZER/CARSTEN NICOLAI/TERRE THAEMLITZ/KEIJI HAINO
Title:	Electronics
Label:	ZEITKRATZER (GERMANY)
Format:	3CD BOX
Price:	$52.00
Catalog #:	ZKR 003CD

The Zeitkratzer label releases a limited 3CD box documenting international avant-garde soloists ensemble Zeitkratzer, and their collaborations with groundbreaking electronic musicians spanning nearly a decade. This set collects all three previously-released Electronics recordings (ZKR 004CD/ZKR 005CD/ZKR 006CD), made in Germany, Spain, France, Italy and Austria with non-academic electronic musician Carsten Nicolai (aka Alva Noto), electro-acoustic composer Terre Thaemlitz, and legendary Japanese noise artist Keiji Haino: three heroes of electronic music. This package includes a special 34-page textbook in German and English containing essays about the consequences of the ensemble's radical work: Diedrich Diederichsen on authorship, Elliott Sharp's "Zeitkratzer and the Myth of the End of Instruments," and Michael Iber on Zeitkratzer's unusual musical notation. Other essays by Tony Herrington (Wire), and Stefan Fricke. Zeitkratzer are: Frank Gratkowski (bass clarinet); Hayden Chisholm (bass clarinet); Franz Hautzinger (trumpet) Melvyn Poore (tuba); Reinhold Friedl (piano, inside-piano); Maurice De Martin (percussion); Burkhard Schlothauer (violin); Anton Lukoszevieze (cello); Ulrich Phillipp (double bass); Marc Weiser (analog electronics); Ralf Meinz (sound). Directed by Reinhold Friedl.

Artist:	ZEITKRATZER/CARSTEN NICOLAI
Title:	Electronics
Label:	ZEITKRATZER (GERMANY)
Format:	CD
Price:	$17.00
Catalog #:	ZKR 004CD

This is the first in a series of three releases on the Zeitkratzer label with each volume titled Electronics, which will be issued as a 3CD boxset as well, in 2009. This CD documents the cooperation between Zeitkratzer and Carsten Nicolai (aka Alva Noto), started nearly a decade ago; a cooperation between an avant garde ensemble and a non-academic electronic musician. The electronic music of Carsten Nicolai -- sometimes being of even crystal clearness and quality -- suddenly becomes sensual and physical through Zeitkratzer's amplified instrumental sounds. Inversely, Zeitkratzer sounds different, too: in "5 Min" the musicians play only electric sound generators: the humming of plugs, the peeping of the synchronized Zeitkratzer-clocks, white noise, the TV cheeping at 10 kHz. "Synchron Bitwave," the latest piece, is the most sensual and most warm; there are no other sounds larger than a small third and its electric derivates, finally leading to high, dabbed string spiccati. "C1" transfers electronically-conceived asymmetrical loops into a 19/16th rhythm. A strange undertow results, partly because of the pieces' grounding with merging, split sounds. Here, Carsten Nicolai virtually becomes metaphysical, perhaps even romantic. Zeitkratzer is: Frank Gratkowski (bass clarinet), Hayden Chisholm (bass clarinet), Franz Hautzinger (trumpet), Melvyn Poore (tuba), Reinhold Friedl (piano), Maurice de Martin (percussion), Burkhard Schlothauer (violin), Anton Lukoszevieze (cello), Ulrich Phillipp (double bass), Marc Weiser (electronics), and Ralf Meinz (sound), directed by Reinhold Friedl.

Artist:	ZEITKRATZER/TERRE THAEMLITZ
Title:	Electronics
Label:	ZEITKRATZER (GERMANY)
Format:	CD
Price:	$17.00
Catalog #:	ZKR 005CD

Presenting a second volume of collaborative works between European avant garde ensemble Zeitkratzer and modern electronic composers. Terre Thaemlitz developed the present pieces for and with Zeitkratzer. The starting points were Thaemlitz' releases Means From An End and Couture Cosmetique, which show him as an electroacoustic composer with an amazing sensibility for sound and harsh cutting techniques. This is especially evident on "Sloppy 42nds," and moreover, Thaemlitz' filtering techniques are transformed into a complex, nearly surrealistic instrumental sound on "Superbonus." Thaemlitz' provenance as a New York underground DJ is recalled, as well as his political engagement on tracks such as "Down Home Kami-Sakunobe" and "Hobo Train." On this CD, you will find the most pop-oriented music -- including references to dance and house -- Zeitkratzer has ever released! But don't forget to listen to the longest and main work on this release, hidden as "Superbonus."

Artist:	ZEITKRATZER/KEIJI HAINO
Title:	Electronics
Label:	ZEITKRATZER (GERMANY)
Format:	CD
Price:	$17.00
Catalog #:	ZKR 006CD

Presenting a third volume of collaborative works between European avant garde ensemble Zeitkratzer and modern electronic composers. On this release, Zeitkratzer cooperates with legendary Japanese noise artist, Keiji Haino. The Berliner Zeitung had the following to say about this mind-melting collaboration: "They had only rehearsed for three days, but the result was mind-blowing. Haino made music on the guitar and on the drums, on electronic devices, on two Theremins and with his wonderfully changeable tenor; Zeitkratzer infolded him, pushed him away, embedded him in noise and carried him through the sound space like on atomizing waves. Only one thing did not exist: the reconciliation between the soloist and his ensemble, which would have denied the differences in traditions and styles; the greatness of the sound, the richness of his textures was a result purely of the contrast and its dynamic."

Artist:	WHITEHOUSE
Title:	Electronics
Label:	ZEITKRATZER (GERMANY)
Format:	CD
Price:	$15.50
Catalog #:	ZKR 007CD

William Bennett is one of the great pioneers of noise and industrial music. His influential project Whitehouse has become a worldwide reference. The music on this CD and the arrangements by Reinhold Friedl were worked out in close collaboration with William Bennett and the Zeitkratzer musicians. The compositions are short, very clear, and have an unbelievable impact, with precisely-defined harsh sounds. This music is an adventurous journey into the amplified acoustic noise of musical instruments. This project would not have been possible without the experience of Zeitkratzer in noise and sound music; for example, in their collaborations with Merzbow, Lou Reed, Zbigniew Karkowski or Keiji Haino. This CD is one of the most concentrated and cleanly-presented noise works Zeitkratzer has ever offered. All music recorded at Festival Les Musiques GMEM Marseille, France, May 14, 2009. Musicians include: Frank Gratkowski (clarinets), Matt Davis (trumpet), Hilary Jeffery (trombone), Reinhold Friedl (piano), Rhodri Davies (harp), Maurice De Martin (drums, percussion), Burkhard Schlothauer (violin), Anton Lukoszevieze (violoncello), Ulrich Phillipp (double bass), Ralf Meinz (sound).

Artist:	CAGE, JOHN
Title:	Old School
Label:	ZEITKRATZER (GERMANY)
Format:	CD
Price:	$15.50
Catalog #:	ZKR 009CD

John Cage's compositions have been part of Zeitkratzer's repertoire since the very first day. The pieces presented here justify Zeitkratzer's reputation as sound specialists. Avant-garde composer Cage is played in a conservative, precise and sensual way, apart from all philosophical ambitions, and hopefully as seductive as a Schubert quintet! Wire magazine acclaimed: "Zeitkratzer convinced us that Cage's music can still live with all its complexities, stripped of the debris of its iconic-ironic status, if we only give ourselves time, space and ears to hear!" Pieces performed: "Four⁶" (1992), "Five" (1988), "Hymnkus" (1986). Recorded live at Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, UK, November 24, 2006. Performed by: Frank Gratkowski (bass clarinet, clarinet), Hayden Chisholm (clarinet), Franz Hautzinger (trumpet), Reinhold Friedl (piano), Maurice de Martin (percussion), Burkhard Schlothauer (violin), Anton Lukoszevieze (cello), Uli Phillipp (double bass) and Ralf Meinz (sound).

Artist:	TENNEY, JAMES
Title:	Old School
Label:	ZEITKRATZER (GERMANY)
Format:	CD
Price:	$15.50
Catalog #:	ZKR 010CD

International avant-garde ensemble Zeitkratzer continue their Old School series with a release dedicated to the work of American composer James Tenney. This CD presents a new recording of Critical Band -- Tenney's late classic -- with maximum clarity. Also included is the first recording of Harmonium #2. Both works demonstrate the remarkable power and resplendent sharpness which Tenney achieved by composing with pure tunings. Koan: Having Never Written A Note For Percussion, for tam-tam, completes this CD with an orgiastic listening experience in the form of a huge crescendo on this wonderfully simple instrument -- from whispering to singing, culminating in shrill roaring and blustering -- and its dark decay. Tenney's music as a sensual sound adventure! Directed by Reinhold Friedl. Musicians include: Frank Gratkowski (clarinet), Hayden Chisholm (alto saxophone), Matt Davis (trumpet), Hilary Jeffery (trombone), Reinhold Friedl (piano), Maurice de Martin (percussion), Burkhard Schlothauer (violin), Anton Lukoszevieze (cello), Uli Phillipp (double bass) and Ralf Meinz (sound). Recorded live at Philharmonie Luxembourg on October 3, 2009.

Artist:	LUCIER, ALVIN
Title:	Old School
Label:	ZEITKRATZER (GERMANY)
Format:	CD
Price:	$15.50
Catalog #:	ZKR 011CD

Alvin Lucier is one of the most outstanding American minimalists -- he could be called a sound physician and his compositions regarded as acoustic research settings. Often, his pieces turn inside-out the inner properties of the room they are played in and the instrument that they are played on. Zeitkratzer had the chance to work with the composer in Dijon, France in 2008, and continued to work on and to program his music in different places. The Philharmonie in Luxembourg turned out to be the ideal space for recording. On this CD, you can hear how Lucier enables Zeitkratzer to create sounds most people have never heard before. Ringing overtones, a singing piano, a thrilling concert triangle, pencils on little objects, and how irritating a violoncello, a viola and a piano can sound together, creating sonic interferences. This music is not only a physical phenomenology, but becomes inherently a sensual listening experience. Directed by Reinhold Friedl. Musicians include: Burkhard Schlothauer (violin, viola, objects), Anton Lukoszevieze (violoncello, objects), Uli Phillipp (objects), Reinhold Friedl (piano, objects), Maurice de Martin (triangle, objects), Frank Gratkowski (objects), Hayden Chisholm (objects), Matt Davis (objects), Hilary Jeffery (objects) and Ralf Meinz (sound).

Artist:	STOCKHAUSEN, KARLHEINZ
Title:	Old School
Label:	ZEITKRATZER (GERMANY)
Format:	CD
Price:	$15.50
Catalog #:	ZKR 012CD

Recorded live on April 12, 2011 at Kino Siska, Ljubljana, Slovenia, and April 14, 2011 at Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, Zagreb, Croatia. This is the fourth release in the Zeitkratzer Old School series. The first three CDs, dedicated to the music of John Cage, James Tenney and Alvin Lucier have been highly-acclaimed. This new release is dedicated to the music of Karlheinz Stockhausen. Karlheinz Stockhausen is one of the most outstanding composers of the 20th century. After his early, super-organized compositions as Gesang Der Jünglinge, Kontakte or Studien 1 and 2, he conceived his From The Seven Days works as a precisely-organized text composition. Not one single note is written, but it is exactly defined: what kind of material the musicians should choose and how they should play it. Length, tempi, etc., are not given. Zeitkratzer had the chance to work on this piece in Ljubljana in the Spring of 2011, and tried to develop their approach to interpret the texts as precisely as possible, in the traditional way of score-reading. As Stockhausen pointed out: "musical meditation is not sentimentality, but ultra alertness and -- in the lightest moments -- creative ecstasy." Set sail for the sun. Directed by Reinhold Friedl. Burkhard Schlothauer (violin); Anton Lukoszevieze (violoncello); Ulrich Phillipp (double bass); Reinhold Friedl (piano); Christian Lillinger (percussion); Frank Gratkowski (reeds); Hild Sofie Tafjord (French horn); Hilary Jeffery (trombone); Martin Wurmnest (sound). Mixed by Martin Wurmnest, mastered by Rashad Becker, produced by Reinhold Friedl.
"I do not want a spiritualistic session. I want music." --Karlheinz Stockhausen

Artist:	FRIEDL, REINHOLD
Title:	Inside Piano
Label:	ZEITKRATZER (GERMANY)
Format:	2CD
Price:	$21.00
Catalog #:	ZKR 013CD

This is the first solo release by Zeitkratzer's mastermind Reinhold Friedl. He teaches the grand piano how to sing and to sound like an orchestra, calling this new way of playing an old instrument "Inside-Piano." Many listeners of Zeitkratzer releases do not recognize particular sounds that come from the piano and thus cannot identify it. After listening to this release, the source will become clear and they will get a new idea of the instrument. The good old grand piano plays aggressive noise attacks, choir-like symphonic movements, and strange, complex sound fibrillations, sometimes lighting up single prepared piano notes, juxtaposed with the tremendous bass of the nearly three-meter long strings. Recorded on a Steinway D concert piano at the Philharmonie Luxembourg, 2010. Published courtesy of Philharmonie Luxembourg. Piano: Steinway D-274, microphones: Neumann U87, Neumann KM184. Recorded by Ralf Meinz, mixed and mastered by Rashad Becker.

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