Shifting / Archipel Remix

'Rolf Riehm is […] an unconventional artist. Before him, nobody has ever sensualized in music such a complex cosmos of philosophical reflections, historical facts, myths, fairytales, memories, scientific arguments, the sublime and the trivial, current socio-political findings, very personal ingredients and contributions.' (Bernd Leukert)

In a letter to Guy Braunstein, soloist at the world premiere, Riehm describes "Shifting" for violin and orchestra as "a huge, sweeping melody. For me, it is like a river that continually gains new strength from the downhill slope of its landscape – the landscape here is the expressivity which gives impetus to the 'melody' and drives it forward, '…moltissimo appassionato…'. [...]The third section is nothing other than a single suspension extended to almost five minutes. And then shortly before the end: no more restrictions, no excessive pressures, only free movement. This is the true beginning of the piece!"

Riehm sees his composition "Archipel Remix" for orchestra with electronic playbacks as an "archipelago, a complex of islands, consisting of differently sized islands. […] The piece starts at the beginning and ends at the end, unsurprisingly, but I want to avoid [the natural passage of time]. Hence the metaphor of the archipelago and the type of designation." (Marion Saxer, Rolf Riehm)

The interpretations of all works are the first recordings worldwide and have been recorded in the presence of the composer.

production: WDR Köln, licensed by WDR mediagroup GmbH