GROSSE STIMMUNG

Music is another world.

On stage at the Salzlager in Essen stand ten concert grand pianos. Ten huge, black instruments, each one of them tuned differently. The pitches of all 241 strings have been raised or lowered. These new intonation systems have been brought together in one vast cycle. The effect is like planets of different sizes and colours revolving.

The infinite possibilities created by scordatura (Italian for alternative tuning) have been the focus of intense research by the Swiss composer Edu Haubensak ever since 1989. GROSSE STIMMUNG I – X was created between 1989 and 2005 and remains the composer’s largest work so far. The cycle will be presented by the Ruhrtriennale for the first time in its entirety – as a four hour concert with two intervals. The piano parts will be masterfully interpreted by Simone Keller, Tomas Bächli and Stefan Wirth. Edu Haubensak has worked closely with each of them over a long period.

Ten concert grands. Ten solo works. Ten tunings.

Music is another world.