back Studio Percussion Graz kirschblüten.ohr. (cherry blossoms.ear) music-theatre for 4 percussionists / concept: Klaus Lang, Claudia Doderer / music: Klaus Lang / space: Claudia Doderer / performers: Studio Percussion graz Klaus Lang's and Claudia Doderer's music-theatre kirschblüten.ohr is a theatre of listening, of silence, of extreme sonic experiences. The listener is located within a dimmed, spiral-like space (Claudia Doderer) that signifies the cochlea, the most sensitive part of the human inner ear. A synchronized sound-light-composition (light design: Andreas Fuchs) turns the performing space into an audiovisual realm in between inner and outer world. The extremely soft and resonating sounds of the four percussionists are at times overlaid by rhythmic pulses that – according to Klaus Lang, the composer – might be described as ripples on a lake caused by a slight breeze or as pebbles dropping irregularly on a flat surface. The Japanese aesthetic principle of "condensed beauty" also was significant during the creative process. The yearly cherry blossom is regarded as a foremost example of this principle and it is appreciated not least because of its transitoriness. Klaus Lang chooses an exquisite orchestration to recreate this principle: bowed crotales, glasses, turkish cymbals and struck bongos, timpani and big drums are employed to unfold a magic compression and extension of time that leads to a unique aesthetic experience. Press Reviews | Premiere at Festival MaerzMusik, Berlin Festivals March 7-9, 2002 The first music-theatre-performance of this festival for current music is called "kirschblüten.ohr." The premiere in the Hebbel-Theater Berlin is conceived by Claudia Doderer (space) und Klaus Lang (composition) and reduces its means to listening and seeing in a minimalist, abstract sense. Noises and sounds by percussion instruments, singing saws and half-filled glasses can be perceived from all sides, decent, but intense, vibrating. This is a complete contrast to a conventional music-theatre-performance. We sit in a dimmed light and listen carefully, everybody stays extremely calm, nobody wants to destroy the atmosphere by a profane cough. Thus finally theatre takes place within the public. Der Tagesspiegel, 8.3.2002 When tones are heard, the space is dimmed – listening becomes the foremost activity. In between the listening phases there are silent phases, during which one can perceive light spots on the stage or at its sides. By recreating the auditory organ on stage and by immersing the listener in audiovisual events as well as in symbols, the reflective nature of perception is reflected once more; a perception of perception is achieved. Berliner Zeitung, 9.3.2002 The stage designer Claudia Doderer and the composer Klaus Lang have conceived their installation as a fantastic excursion into the depths of the auditory organ. The visitor quasi enters his own ear. The extended listening space corresponds with percussion sounds as under a microscope. Bongos, timpani and big drums signify the eardrum, metal and glass instruments signify small auditory nerves. The audience sits in a circle inside the cochlea. Outside the four drummers of Studio Percussion graz celebrate sounds and rhythms on multiple percussion spots within the space. Just like the moving sounds, white and blue light comes from all directions as surface or spot. Darkness, bright-ness, noise and silence build up interrelations. What does blue light sound like? The situation makes increased concentration and contemplation possible. A "Philharmonic turned upside down" is performed. Every-one undertakes his or her personal experimental journey into the unlimited inner world. An inspiring listening adventure and an excellent start of a new festival era. Berliner Morgenpost, 10.03.2002 Studio Percussion graz http://www.studiopercussion.com Produktionsleiter | Dr. Christian Utz / Mariahilferstr. 56/27, A-1070 Wien Tel | Fax +43-1-89 33 751 / mobil +43-650 89 33 751 / utz@studiopercussion.com