Hauschka – Foreign Landscape
aaamusic | On 25, Oct 2010
Volker Bertelmann’s prolific mind produces another jewel of minimalism. Dusseldorf based pianist and composer evolves here from his John Cage and Erik Satie’s influences to a more complex creature that seems influenced by a renovated post-rock sensibility.
Gifted Bertelmann is here accompanied by Magik*Magik orchestra, a 12-piece and wind ensemble from San Francisco.
‘Foreign landscape’, his seventh album, holds classical deep feelings and post-modernistic chaos altogether.
It seems like here the minimalistic approach of other contemporary artists such as Ludovico Einaudi, Keith Kenniff (Helios, Goldmund) and Matthew Robert Cooper (Eluvium) meets the instrumental emotions of Nyman’s influenced Rachel’s and Japanese Anoice.
As the same Bertelmann says, “I felt in the last year that I got a lot of solace whilst on the road and needed friendship. In a beautiful place like the ones described in the album can find some peace and consolation, because the place connects you with the world and treats you well.” This approach places ‘Foreign Landscapes’ as a search for comfort in the confusing life of a rootless artist.
As Gauguin wandered in search of solace around the magnificent landscapes of Martinique and Tahiti, Bertelmann seeks his redemption in the urban sceneries of Alexander Platz or Union Square, or in the warmth of Madeira.
The result is stunning and strikes for his vitality.
‘Foreign landscape’ is out on Monday 25th October, released by Fat Cat records. Bertelmann will play in London at the Bush Hall on the 9th of November.
Author: Lorenzo Coretti
