New publications
(December, 2004)

Over the course of 2004 several new publications by Stäbler appeared in the realm of print and discography, featuring his works and texts. His piece Wirbelsäulenflötefor piano, bass-Clarinet, voices, conducting performer and 3 objects by the sculptor Thomas Rother (percussion) from 1984 appeared in the German Music Council series "Music in Germany 1950 - 2000" in the context of "Experimental Music Theater: Instrumental Theater". In this piece Stäbler set the poem of the same title by Wladimir Majakowski to music. (BMG/RCA 74321 73650 2).
kalt·erhitzt - a paraphrase on the musical action for 113 grand pianos with the same title, for tape (2000/2003) can also be found in the comprehensive series "Music in Germany 1950 - 2000" under "Experimental Music Theater: Fluxus, Happening- Performance": an installation by the artist Norbert Bauer consisting of 113 grand pianos at the "Tuchfühlung 2" festival in Langenberg in the Rhineland in 2000 was the basis for a performance utilizing hands on keys, hammers, clubs and feet on the strings and body, accompanied by choirs, ensembles and the vocal artist Sigune von Osten. (BMG/RCA 74321 73652 2).
A 90 - page book also appeared, documenting contributions by musicologists, composers and members of the popular culture scene during a conference on the theme of "Music and Politics" which was organized by the Berlin society for New Music. Under the title ...weiße Räume erkunden... Stäbler presents cases where broadcasts of his political works were either victimized by censorship - as was the case with the WDR broadcast of drüber... or were almost deleted from the concert program. Examples of political content are also demonstrated based on the compositions ...strike the ear... for string quartet (1987/88), Gift.Gelb for electrified accordion, E-Bass and Tape (2002) and Journal 9´1119 for flutes, percussion, tape and scents (1996). (Christa Brüstle, Matthias Rebstock, Holger Schulze (ed.): Musik / Politik, Saarbrücken (Pfau-Verlag) 2004 (=Musik im Dialog V) 

 

World Premiere in Tokyo
(December 26, 2004)

The Tokyo City Recital Hall will host the world premiere of Gerhard Stäbler's new work ]life[ Sappho-fragments for hichiriki and sho on December 26. Hitomi Nakamura (Hichiriki) and Mayumi Miyata (Sho) will present the composition in the context of a Hichiriki Recital Series. In addition, the composition solitude.consolation for hichiriki and sho by German-Korean composer Kunsu Shim will celebrate its premiere alongside further world premieres by Japanese composers. Furthermore Ms. Nakamura covers the gamut from modern music to traditional Japanese court music in her recital by including two Gagaku-pieces, one for Hichiriki solo and another for Hichiriki, Sho, and Ryuteki in her program.
The Hichiriki is a bamboo flute with a piercing, nasal sound, roughly 18 cm in length and a diameter of 1.5 cm. It has a one-octave range and is the most prevalent instrument in Gagaku music aside the mouth organ sho. The hichiriki with its razor-sharp tone often takes on the top voice on this music.

Further information in Japanese writing can be found at: www.tvumd.com/concerts/file/041226.htm

December 26, 2004, Tokyo City Recital Hall: Hichiriki-Recital. Series Reed Wind No. 3

  

Performances for aficionados in Utrecht
(December 11, 2004)

MundStücke (MouthPieces) and FootPrints, which originated from the "Performances for Aficionados" concert series founded in 1999, will receive their premiere Netherlands performance. In these pieces, Stäbler explores ­ much like in two other pieces from this series, HandStreiche, EarPlugs, NasenTraum(HandStrokes, EarPlugs, NoseDreams) and AugenTanz (EyeDance) ­ musical and scenic possibilities of human extremities and sensory organs. In Footprints I & IIthe step combinations are written out, including the stomping and tapping noises to be produced. The MundStücke by contrast emerge from whispering sounds or asemantic syllables presented voiceless. Through the imaginative usage of different bocal positions Stäbler integrates scenic elements in the sense of Kagel's Instrumental Theater. Both pieces will be performed at the Nederlandse Muziekdagen under the Title "Throw Catch" by soprano Barbara Hannigan and percussionist Arnold Marinissen at the Muziekcentrum Vredenburg in Utrecht.

December 11th 2004: Muziekcentrum Vredenburg, Utrecht

  

“von hier aus. Basel - Raum Klang Tanz"
(November 30, 2004)

Dancer and choreographer Eva Weissmann presented "von hier aus. Basel - Raum Klang Tanz," her new project, in Basle. Weissmann, together with four dancers, the saxophonist Felix Probst and double bassist Laurent Charles developed "Visions of Space, Motion and Silence" to Stäbler's composition elements (acute) created in 1999/2000 at the ZKM (Zentrum für Kunst und Medientechnologie). Four musical layers ­ breathing, blazing, flowing and grounded ­ served as basis for live-performances and were specifically defined and accentuated for the Basle performance spaces with the participation of Gerhard Stäbler. The performance took place on Tuesday, November 30 in the Tresorraum of the Gerbergasse 30 as part of the series "Forum für improvisierte Musik & Tanz, Basel."

For further information: www.fimbasel.ch und www.wearewe.de.

 

ARTIC - an art magazine with an essay, a new composition and a CD with hitherto unpublished works by Gerhard Stäbler
(November, 2004)

ARTIC - Texte aus der fröhlichen Wissenschaft, a very affectionately crafted art magazine from Frankfurt/Main, is publishing in its upcoming edition with the theme "voice" the essay KOM-VokalEssenz by Gerhard Stäbler, a CD accompanying the essay with works by the composer and the new composition AMTRACKS, an audioassemblage for seven vocalists that Gerhard Stäbler wrote for ARTIC. WithWinter, Blumen and the Belfast Breakfast Songs interpreted by Christina Ascher this CD presents previously unpublished recordings. Gerhard Stäbler himself presents new versions of Rachengold ­ a solo-performance consisting mainly of gargling noises ­ and also for the first time the "secret score" Rosenkranz (1995). Together with the composition Wirbelsäulenflöte for piano, bass-clarinet, voices, a conducting performer and three objects by the Essen-based sculptor Thomas Rother (1984) and the well-known early work drüber... for eight active screamers, violoncello and tape (1972/73) the contributions on the CD allow a "glimpse" into Stäblers treatment of voice in the last thirty-odd years. The eighth ARTIC volume so far is anticipated to be available over the course of October.

For more information: www.artic-magazin.de

 

Two world premieres in Saarbrücken and Düsseldorf
(November 12 ­ 14, 2004)

The world premiere of two chamber music pieces was held in Saarbrücken and Düsseldorf from November 12 through 14. The composition ]with what eyes[ for violin, french horn and organ was performed for the first time during the Saarbrücker Kammermusiktage. This work was inspired by Sappho's Fragments that were published in the Greek-English poetry anthology IF NOT, WINTER with translations by the American poet Anne Carson. Between single sounds syllables and words, lines and verses are transmitted over time that document a deep knowledge of human cohabitation's thorny path despite their thousands of years of erosion. Stäblers new composition was contrasted by Brahms' Horntrio as well as horn and violin sonatas by Beethoven. The concert was performed by Yamei Yu (Violin), XiaoMing Han (Horn) und Andreas Rothkopf (Organ). A concert commemorating the Japanese composer Seiichi Inagaki who passed away at the end of last year, was held at the Düsseldorf EKO Haus, featuring the world premiere of the monody blütenlos (blossomless) for soprano, flute, violin, cello and piano (or accordion). The composition, written in Duisburg in September 2004 and commissioned by the EKO - House of Japanese Culture (Düsseldorf) is based on the poem by the same title from the book Gesänge der Frühe (Songs of Earliness) by Hermann-Josef Röllicke. The evenings artists were Ingrid Schmithüsen (soprano), Carin Levine (flute), Geoffry Wharton (violin), Wolfgang Sellner (cello) und Kristi Becker (piano).

 

Installations and Performances at "Stadtlicht - Lichtkunst" in Duisburg
(October 16 ­ November 15, 2004)

The composers Kunsu Shim and Gerhard Stäbler will participate several times in the "StadtLicht - LichtKunst" festival held in and around the Wilhelm Lehmbruck Museum in Duisburg starting on October 16, 2004. On the opening day of this diverse project which shall "contribute to the qualification of Light design in our cities" (curator Christoph Brockhaus, director of the Wilhelm Lehmbruck Museum foundation), Paulo Alvares (piano), Christina Ascher (voice), Kunsu Shim and Gerhard Stäbler (sound engineering) will present Gerhard Stäblers new composition...leaving the gold... for voice, piano and five CD-players (2004) simultaneously with Kunsu Shims inserting music II for tape. Stäblers exploration of maximum - speed - pitch repetition stands at the center of this work !? a musical essay on the limits of what is possible for piano and electronic sounds (2001) will set the frame for this world premiere, together with a piano etude by György Ligeti interpreted by Paulo Alvares.
In the Wilhelm Lehmbruck Museum's Kant park one can simultaneously experience works by Kunsu Shim and Gerhard StÄbler as well: the vernissage of the Sound - Light - Installation "Kantpark Stage" that was developed in cooperation of both composers with the light artist Mischa Kuball and curated by Christoph Brockhaus with the aid of Katja Aßmann. With the world premiere of Intervention I for voice and electronic sounds (2004) Christina Ascher will ring in the beginning of the sound installation "Kantpark Stage" which can be heard and seen henceforth daily from noon to midnight until November 15. Kunsu Shim, who developed the basic concept behind the sound installation together with Gerhard Stäbler writes:

"Different sounds - often low, rich in overtones, pleasurable- appear and disappear from a great silence within the 12 - hour time stream and transform the Kant Stage into a space of repose, illuminate it - like light itself - audibly and invites one to connect with this location for a while and to disseminate into the vastness of inner space. Interventions again and again open windows into real spaces to remember, to reflect, to dream only to return to silence."

Overview of events:

Saturday, October 16:
Wilhelm Lehmbruck Museum Duisburg - Lehmbruck-Trakt: opening ceremony of the "StadtLicht - LichtKunst" project.
World premieres by Kunsu Shim and Gerhard Stäbler and a piano piece by Ligeti.
Afterwards: Vernissage of "Kantpark Stage" by Mischa Kuball, Kunsu Shim and Gerhard Stäbler with the world premiere of Intervention I by Gerhard Stäbler.

Saturday, October 16 until Monday November 15:
"Kantpark Stage", Lightinstallation by Mischa Kuball with the sound installation "Lichtrand" by Kunsu Shim and Gerhard Stäbler in cooperation with the Audio-Designer Cornelius Pöpel, Kant Park, Duisburg-city at the Lehmbruck Museum

For more information:
www.lehmbruck-museum.de
www.lehmbruck.cynapsis.com/images/content/landschaftspark-nord-72-downl.jpg

 

(World Premiere) Performances in Neuss
(September 9-12, 2004)

Two works by Gerhard Stäbler are being performed thrice in the recently erected exhibition hall of the Langen Foundation: Palast des Schweigens (Palace of Silence) which has been available on CD since 19999 (composed in 1992/93, Wergo 282056-2) will be made audible by Tomoko Kiba on a wind instrument consisting of 17 bamboo pipes, as well as a world premiere of a work by Stäbler presented by the Schlagquartett Köln, consisting of percussionists Dirk Rothbrust, Thomas Meixner, Achim Seyler and Boris Müller featuring soprano Eiko Morikawa. The (premiere) performances are not the only events to be anticipated with tension. The different performance spaces that change from composition to composition and were conceptualized by the renowned architect Tadao Ando as components of the new exhibition hall will certainly offer a special visual and acoustic attraction.

September 9th. September 11th/12th at noon: Langen Foundation, Raketenstation Hombroich (Neuss)

 

World-premiere of ...day by day... in Munich
(June 12, 2004)

Gerhard Staebler received the commission to compose a work for large orchestra, vocalists and drums. He titled his work day by day. The large-scaled work will be premiered in the frame of Musica Viva concerts in Munich on June 12. Other works being played were composed by Wolfgang Rihm (Sub-Kontur for large orchestra) and Caspar Johannes Walter („New work“ for Percussion-quartet, sinus - generators and violin). Sian Edward is going to conduct the symphony-orchestra of Bayrischer Rundfunk, Stefan Blum and members of Schlagquartett Köln play percussion.

12.06.04: Münchener Residenz, Herkulessaal

 

Successful Tour of Canada and the US
(May, 2004)

A visiting professor position at Evergreen State College in Olympia (Washington) stands at the center of the Canada/US tour, where Gerhard Stäbler is currently the holder of the „Dan Evans Chair“ in Composition. Numerous other activities accompany this tenure, which lasts from mid - March until the beginning of June: Lectures at the University of California Santa Cruz, the University of Washington (Seattle) and at the Canadian Music Center in Vancouver, as well as numerous concerts and performance evenings featuring works by the composer. On May 23, an expanded and altered version of SPICES (1) came to life in Los Angeles, Olympia and Seattle. Stäbler created SPICES (1PLUS) for dance, chamber Orchestra, tape, scents and vocal interventions - the latter referring to the United States‘ martial invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. The highly acclaimed world premiere was realized by the dancer and choreographer Kabby Michell III, the Evergreen State Colleges‘ Vocal Ensemble and the "Olympia Chamber Orchestra" under Maestro Arun Chandra.
The grand finale of the visiting professorship and the sojourn in the United States consists of three evenings of performances with the German-Korean composer Kunsu Shim. On May 26 both composers will create an homage to Nam June Paik at Evergreen State College. In addition, on June 3 works by Stäbler´s students that have been created in cooperation with Stäbler, will be performed- including a new version of the music-theater project futuressencexxx by Stäbler and Shim based on texts by Italian futurists.

  

Poetic Arcs on Tour in the Netherlands
(January 25 ­ April 25, 2004)

A concert with Gerhard Staebler´s ensemble work Poetic Arcs on November 16 will be presented in three additional Dutch concerts. “De ereprijs”, a well known association for contemporary music, organised concerts in Arnhem, Velp and Nijmwegen. Poetic Arcs, commissioned by "De ereprijs", is composed in three parts an deals with music by C. Ph. E. Bach (Fantasia for piano in A-major), Franz Liszt (Unstern! ­ Sinistre for piano) und Charles Ives (Ragtime Dances for theatre-orchestra). Additional inspiration Staebler received from sculptures created by Richard Serra. In the frame of the three concerts additional compositions by Jan Bus (High Five), Rodney Sharman (In Praise of the shadows), Robert H.P. Platz (main FLEUR), Will Eisma (Spijkerboor), Roderik de Man (Samen Sterk), Iain Matheson (All Alone) and John Korsrud (Gershwin and Fire) are presented.

January 25, Music Sacrum: Velperbuitensingel 25, Arnhem.
March 21, Kunsthuis 13: Kastanjelaan 13, Velp
April 25, Lux: Marienburg 38-39, Nijmwegen

 

Successful Japan Tour
(December 2003 ­ February 2004)

Gerhard Stäbler and Kunsu Shim toured in Japan from December to February 2004. A scholarship from the Japanese city Shuho-Cho enabled a composer in residence in Yamaguchi. Concerts in various towns, e.g. Tokyo, Kyoto and Akiyoshidai, were very successful: many people listened to performances and interpretations on a high level. Piano works by Stäbler and Shim were combined with performances in the frame of a workshop at Akiyoshidai International Arts College with students on January 16 and 17. Stäbler´s Traum 1/9/92 was being presented by the Japanese pianist JongAh Yoon for the first time in Japan. The composers themselves interpreted their perfomances piece japonaises and Rachengold. In a concert organised by the Goethe Institut on January 21 in Kyoto the focus was even more on the performative aspect. Hommáge à Nam June Paik, a co-production of Shim and Stäbler had its premiere in Japan, numerous other performances in the fluxus tradition e.g. good bye paradise for one performer with plants from 1998 or Stäbler´s work for tape, Kalt·Erhitzt were combined in the programme. Other concerts followed in Tokyo and Kyoto were based on piano-works by Shim and Stäbler. Since (European) tradition plays a very great role at the conservatories in Japan the well-visited and progressive concerts caused great enthusiasm and lively discussions between artists and audience.

 

CD-Release with Stäbler´s Traum 1/9/92
(January 2004)

The Goethe Institut Kyoto decided to publish a CD with various pieces by German and Japanese artists. Among these are Stäbler, Kunsu Shim, Yuji Takahashi, Jan Müller-Wieland sowie Seiichi Inagaki. Traum 1/9/92 has been released in its version for ensemble with the MusikFabrik Nordrhein Westfalen (CPO 999259-2) and as a piano solo interpreted by Paulo Alvares (Metier-Records 92075 a + b) . The piece is based on the didactic play Die Mutter by Bertolt Brecht. Stäbler transferred the text into a Morse-code, that serves as the rhythmic foundation. The Japanes pianist Noriko Tokuoka interpreted the live recorded piece in concert given in the Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin in August 2003.