Walter Zimmermann

Compositions & adaptations

1 "Aus Nah und Fern" for chorus & tape
2 "Zehn Fränkische Tänze" for string quartet
3 "25 Kärwa-Melodien" for two clarinets
4 "15 Zwiefache" for guitar
5 "Erd-Wasser-Luft-Töne" for trombone, piano & bowed glasses
6 "Die Spanische Reise des Oswald von Wolkenstein"

Recorded from radio broadcasts, here is a collection of pieces by Walter Zimmermann (*1949) from the late 70s and early 80s. All except tracks 1 and 6 are from his "Lokale Musik" cycles: a kind of "musical archaeology" that digs deep in the history of German folk dances and songs. Traditional themes and rhythms are carefully woven into beautiful textures of fragile tones and sounds. In "Erd-Wasser-Luft-Toene" for example, a very "earthy" trombone dances along between the muted tones and rhythms of the piano and the ethereal soundings of the bowed glasses.

"Die Spanische Reise des Oswald von Wolkenstein" is an adaptation of Wolkenstein songs for baritone and an ensemble of oriental instruments. A very impressive example of ethno-historical fusion, and a very impressive alternative to the often hyperclean, sterile academic realizations of medieval music today.
Walter Zimmermann's homepage: home.snafu.de/walterz/
Tracks 2 - 5 were released in the 80s by the TAT Frankfurt ("Theater am Turm") on a 3 LP set featuring Zimmermann's "Lokale Musik". If anyone owns this set, a complete rip of it would be very much appreciated by us.
Prepare to be amazed: (1)

[maybe reposted soon]