Four years after his last release as Hauschka, composer Volker Bertelmann returns to City Slang for his new effort “PHILANTHROPY”. While touching on the work of musical innovators, such as Erik Satie and John Cage, Hauschka reimagines the potential of the prepared piano for the 21st century, a technique that involves inserting objects between the instrument’s strings or onto its hammers to expand its sonic and operative possibilities.
“PHILANTHROPY” is as much about how it sounds as it is an opportunity to engage in discussion and exchanges of ideas. The word is defined as “the practice of performing charitable or benevolent actions”. Perhaps too modest to consider his music a benevolent or charitable act, Bertelmann unquestionably displays “a love of humankind” through the compassion and openness of his new music. Dominated by his ever-changing but distinctive sound, the Academy Award and BAFTA-winning composer is to release his 14th album “PHILANTHROPY” on October 20th of this year.