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NEW ON WERGO – TO CELEBRATE THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OF ARIBERT REIMANN

An older man wearing round glasses and a grey jacket leans, Aribert Reimann, casually against a grand piano and looks at the camera. Soft-focus green foliage in the background gives the portrait a calm, natural atmosphere.

In his substantial compositional output, Aribert Reimann created a rich collection of compositions which have unquestionably exerted an influence on contemporary music theatre. His unmistakable personal style is characterised by strict logic and highly complex tonal structures which are finely chiselled down to the smallest detail. At the same time, his music possesses a powerful innate emotionality which directly captures his listeners. This is borne out by his instrumental works and vocal compositions and to a particular degree, his operas, which are considered the most significant of the entire contemporary period. Reimann primarily selects his plots from world literature and transforms them into unique forms through his own musical language.

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‘A musical bridge to the world of classical music’

Tautrinker on the piano

Tautrinker – this stage name is not only a translation of the surname of Austrian-born Michael Zlanabitnig but also reflects his visionary approach to music education. Inspired by the music he listened to during his childhood, Tautrinker was drawn to the piano from a young age where he began to explore improvisation and composition.

His aim with his innovative Piano Mantras series, is to build a musical bridge between the world of classical music that is modern, accessible and intuitive. Following the first volume, "Imagine Beethoven", in which he reimagined the powerful music of Ludwig van Beethoven, Tautrinker devotes himself to the immortal melodies of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the latest volume, "Magic Mozart".

This article explores how these short piano miniatures make playing the piano even more enjoyable, whilst also offering an entirely new approach to the greatest masterpieces in music history.

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In memoriam Dr Peter Hanser-Strecker (1942–2026)

Peter Hanser Strecker in front of a black background. He is wearing a grey jacket with intricate patterns and textures and is smiling warmly at the camera with his arms crossed.

“Music is the language of humanity.” Faithfully following this motto, Dr Peter Hanser-Strecker shaped not only the destiny of the Schott Music publishing house for over half a century but also acted as one of the most influential figures in the international world of music. With his passing on the evening of 22 January 2026, surrounded by his family in Wiesbaden, the cultural world loses a tireless visionary, an understated patron of the arts, and a publisher of the venerable tradition who instinctively knew how to balance courage for innovation with a respect for heritage. 

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The Viola in 2026: Events, New Releases, and more

Close-up of a viola against a dark background. A bow is laid against the strings, with only part of the instrument fully visible, evoking a brooding and serious scene.

January sets the stage for the Viola on both sides of the Atlantic. Whilst the instrument is celebrated in the USA openly, with performances alongside teaching initiatives set as part of National Viola Day, in Europe there are various events that happen to coincide, bringing a well-deserved spotlight to the instrument. Through no specific collaboration across the western hemisphere, January has quietly become a rather significant month for viola players and enthusiasts.

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Thomas Larcher at Wigmore Hall: Composer in Focus

A person stands outdoors on a misty day, looking calmly at the camera. The background fades into fog, creating a quiet and contemplative mood. It's Schott Composer Thomas Larcher.

Thomas Larcher, born in Innsbruck in 1963, is known for his ability to fuse lyrical beauty with raw intensity. His music, performed by leading orchestras and ensembles across the world, explores transformation, silence, and the space between dissonance and harmony. Wigmore Hall, where he has been a frequent guest since the early 2000s, now celebrates his artistry with a full-day portrait — part of its acclaimed Composer in Residence series and a highlight of the season’s upcoming concerts. 

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