Last week, traditionally a cinema, The Duke of York’s opened it’s doors to all the musical gourmets for a feast of a performance by Hauschka and his trademark prepared piano. It is not often that they host gigs there and every time they do you know it is worth your attention – even if you have never heard of the artist before. Signed to Fat-Cat Records, a label that made it’s name by signing artists who place intellect above the rest, Hauschka uses anything from ping-pong balls and plastic beads to cellophane candy wrappers to alter the sound of his piano. Fueled by his academic knowledge of the instrument he instantly immersed the whole auditorium in peculiar yet mesmerizing and unique sounds. The cinema’s soft chairs were there only to enhance the experience.Between the tunes Volker Bertelmann (Hauschka’s real name) took time to talk to the audience about his inspirations, life as a musician, traveling and even the weather. All of that made for a deeply profound and personal experience that will be hard to forget.
Hauschka
(supported by Robert Stillman and Twenty-one Crows)
The Duke of York’s Cinema
Thursday 11th November
Photos and words by Oleg Pulemjotov
