A solo album for a change
As a child, I usually fell asleep during classical concerts. Only when a prominent cello was being played, I would sit up immediately, wide awake in my seat. This fascination and enthusiasm have persisted to this day, and I’m excited to share them with you through my solo project.
Exploring and expanding the infinite possibilities offered by the four strings, ten fingers, and a bow—this is what I love about playing the cello. Whether a piece was composed yesterday or 400 years ago, my goal is to reach the ears and hearts of today. Falling asleep is not an option.
My solo album celebrates the cello in all its facets, taking you on a unique journey. Nostalgic sounds tickle the brain, groovy arrangements provide energy for the mind and body, and original compositions bring a surprised smile to even the most devoted cello enthusiasts’ faces.
The Cello - Read more, only for those truly interested
The cello looks back on a history of about 500 years and has undergone numerous transformations. From the basso continuo in the Baroque era to an accompanying instrument in classical music, then a phase as a moody adolescent in the Romantic period, it finally found its role as a gripping, emotional, and political ambassador in the 20th century.
Another transformation is currently taking place. The cello is evolving into a surprisingly complete rhythm machine and expanding its stylistic diversity through the musical language of jazz and pop. Techniques like chopping, ghost notes, and other grooving possibilities are slowly but surely becoming standard. So, it’s a good time to take a look at the current state of the violoncello and explore a best-of compilation, not just of my favorite instrument.
Are you in?
The album
Together with sound engineer Olaf Schuberth, I will record the album in Vienna and release it through my own music label, ’Rhythmic Dog.’ There will be a CD version as well as an online release of selected tracks. This means that the complete digital version can only be obtained through this crowdfunding campaign.
Why not release the entire album online? Since the beginning of 2024, Spotify only pays for tracks that have been streamed over 1000 times per year. Once the 1000 streams are exceeded, you receive a whopping 0.003 euros (that’s 0.3 cents!) for each additional stream. To cover the cost of a dinner, you’d need 8,000 to 10,000 streams. The implications of this are hotly debated. However, I don’t want to support this trend, so I’ll only make selected tracks available (almost) for free.
For true nerds: As an ambitious stretch goal, we’ll announce a very limited edition of bio-vinyl records (made from frying fat!).
I’m excited about everyone who joins in to celebrate the cello with this album.
Let’s make it happen!