Hauschka June 22, 2012

Hauschka is the alias of Dusseldorf-based pianist/composer Volker Bertelmann, whose work is based upon an exploration of the possibilities of the 'prepared' piano - a playfully disruptive intervention into the preconceived idea of the piano as a pure-toned, perfected instrument waiting for a gifted virtuoso to play on it. The piano's sound can be changed by, for example, clamping wedges of leather, felt or rubber between the strings; preparing the hammers with aluminium paper or rough films; placing crown corks on the strings, weaving guitar strings around the piano's guts, or pasting them down with gaffers tape. The piano is played by manipulating the strings inside, instead of merely pressing the keys. Now and again Hauschka utilizes additional, non-piano sounds such as synthesizer, drum machine, electric bass, or other acoustic instruments like vibraphone, strings or brass.