专辑简介

The programmatic cycle on this CD called SONGS, CHORALS AND DANCES includes a number of various eclectic new jazz arrangements I have done on well-known classical music from the past. It deals with the idea of a common musical European heritage that has influenced the general perception and taste of audiences and artists. Songs by Mozart, Schubert, Mahler, Puccini and others, liturgic chorals from protestant church music and the so -called "worldly" music represented by various art dances from suites - they all have captured my creative imagination and have inspired me to adapt and reshape original sources from the classical, romantic and early-20th-century musical tradition. On this CD you can hear mostly songs from this program, and it has been my special intention to evoke the poetic content of the original lyrics in the context of purely instrumental, "singing" interpretation. SONGS, CHORALS AND DANCES seems to me to be an inspiring experience for listeners and musicians that may be reminiscent of a spectator's visual experience, for example, in a gothic cathedral with the eye following constantly changing images on the coloured windows and filtered light combinations by the sun coming in. In my arrangements I try to combine various influences from my own classical background and experiences with classical literature as an active and studied musician with the fervor and energy of the Afro - American improvised music and my knowledge of the great jazz repertoire. This program might be essentially seen as a credo for the art of improvisation which is already evident even in the most well-known classical literature of, for example, Mozart and Beethoven who were extremely gifted improvisers themselves. Also for the great baroque masters like Bach and Händel, improvisation had been a concept of central importance to their music. It is obvious now that the system of the general bass in the 17th and 18th century fulfilled similar functions like for modern jazzimprovisers the basic changes and chord patterns of a song. This is where I try to find the link between the different musical languages. The old works of the great masters from four musical centuries reappear in fresh new shape with colourful touches and voicings added to the originals. I hope intently that the listeners of this CD will enjoy and appreciate the range of dramatic free passages alternating with intensely felt lyrical episodes of shining beauty and the intimate communication between the members of this trio who clearly enjoy playing together. Many thanks to Johannes Fink and Andrea Marcelli for their sensitive contribution which is an integral part of this music's performance. SONGS, CHORALS AND DANCES - personally, I would describe it as a musical crossover program between the ages and stylistics which wants to move and touch listeners' hearts and minds by evoking echoes and feelings about our cultural past in contemporary musical terms based on the vitality of jazz improvisation. EKKEHARD WÖLK