Wasser erzählt

BROT & STERNE
FRANZ HAUTZINGER | trumpet, electronics
MATTHIAS LOIBNER | hurdy-gurdy, electronics, texts
PETER ROSMANITH | percussion

LILLEVAN | visuals
Festival and concert introduction | Julian Schutting

In the story of the origin of ancient Babylon, the word “apsu” stands for fresh water and even a “primordial freshwater ocean.” In the production “apsu,” a tale unfolds with new texts written by Matthias Loibner – albeit this story does not have a linear plot: water tells its own story, so to speak, about its different aggregate states, its importance for living beings, about the threats it is facing. Water has its own unique variety of rhythms, melodies, and even chords.

The ideal musical counterpart is provided by the trio Brot & Sterne: they have been embarking on enchanting musical journeys for over a decade, whether in concerts or crossover projects such as audio books or this world premiere. The highly distinctive sounds of the trumpet and hurdy-gurdy are carefully transported into other sonic worlds by subtle electronic effects. The percussion adds vibrant colours to the mix.

The Irish, Berlin-based video and media artist Lillevan, a regular guest at the Klangraum, can certainly be regarded as the fourth musician of the evening. Intensity and structure are more important to him than a story or a character. Lillevan sees his work as an instrument, one that neither merely accompanies nor obscures the acoustic performance, rather enhances it alongside as a partner.

Words penned by an extraordinary poet open the evening and the festival, too: Julian Schutting has prepared a new text on the themes of water and transience.