On September 19, the Hara Museum held a performance by Hauschka, a Düsseldorf-based pianist / composer. This was his second visit to Japan, and marked the beginning of his 10 day “Ferndorf Tour” in this country.
Hauschka (piano), with Strings ［from right: Atsuko Hatano (cello), Seigen Tokuzawa （cello）, Eriko Teshima （violin）, Yasuko Saito (violin)］. The “prepared piano” device in which the player controls the sounds by manipulating piano chords is employed, with the piano lid wide open.
Hauschka manipulating the sounds of piano by inserting such items as masking tape, wooden stick, vinyl, and magnet.
…and even caps of beer bottles
Egg shaped tea strainer
These everyday items enable a single piano to produce such diversity of sounds reminiscent to those of xylophone, guitar and drum machine, while making a strong likeliness of the cozy beats of “electronica” music. “I wanted to play electronic music without using computer,” said the pianist. Hauschka’s music is indeed rich in diversity that goes beyond musical genres.
His album “Ferndorf” is highly recommended. It is also available at the Hara Museum’s The Museum Shop.
Lastly, we would like to express our thanks to all of those who came to see the performance!
（all photos by: Masaki Hirooka）