Hauschka aka Volker Bertelmann is considered the neo-impresario of the prepared piano. His compositions, influenced by Steve Reich and Michael Nyman, are miniature-worlds that fathom the space between poetry and rhythmic onomatopoeia. While his 2010 album Foreign Landscapes paid tribute to the world of the salon-orchestra, Hauschka’s new album, to be released on Fat Cat in May 2011, is a minimal pop hybrid featuring musicians from Calexico and múm that has one eye on the dance floor.
 
Icelandic cello player Hildur Gudnadóttir is a member of the internationally renowned band múm and has also written chorus arrangements for Throbbing Gristle and Wildbirds & Peacedrums. As part of the trio Angel, she works with Schneider TM and Ilpo Väisänen on expanding the definition of the term 'drone'. Her solo productions link baroque elements with a contemporary timbre to create poignant divinity.
In October 2010, CTM Concerts and venue .HBC began a collaboration with the intention of organising predominantly acoustic concerts in an intimate context. .HBC’s old film theater, with its wood-panelled walls and grand piano, proved to be an ideal environment for this very special concert series. For CTM.11 the project has been, finally, christened Palais Wittgenstein. The name refers to the magnificent music salon at the family home of Vienna steel magnate, Karl Wittgenstein. The house, which was sadly torn down in the 1950s, was where his sons, philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein and pianist Paul Wittgenstein, both grew up.
 
There is currently a longing for more subtle and engaged attentiveness in listening that is a backlash against what is often deemed to be abstract and non-sensual in the presentation of computer music and the overly simple, bombastic effectiveness of club and pop music. The renaissance of chamber music performance practices can be read as an expression of this longing. This new genre of instrumental music featuring classical composition techniques, the primary use of acoustic instruments and a form of presentation that prioritises intimacy has found its way into the international circuit with the rather inappropriate label 'neo classic'.
 
The concerts are seated only, in the classical tradition. Due to the limited number of 100 seats, and the expected high demand, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Palais Wittgenstein is a self-supporting contribution to the festival program by .HBC and CTM Concerts. Therefore these concert evenings could not be included in the CTM Festival Pass, CTM/TM Kombi Pass or any type of accreditation.
 
Curated by Marc Weiser / CTM Concerts.
 
› Tickets › 12 € box office / 10 € presale
› doors open 19:30