an enchanting accordionist, with vocals and live electronics
A diverse range of original compositions spanning tango-esque waltz melodies and African voodoo blues, flamenco-esque shakti rhythms and meditative minimalist music, imaginary soundtracks, and invented folklore set to danceable grooves... Cathrin Pfeifer has developed a sound all her own that turns even the most die-hard accordion skeptics into fans. An acoustic journey through various musical styles fused into a completely unique form of music. In her modern accordion playing, she combines complex rhythms with jazzy arrangements, and improvisations with surprising live sampling.
“…Conquering new worlds of sound… In her atmospheric compositions, which incorporate jazz, global folklore, ambient, classical, minimal music, and much more, the 200-year-old instrument is more than just rehabilitated. In her hands, it sounds fresh and modern.” stereo
Through her use of modern music electronics, a live mix unfolds before the audience’s eyes, evolving from a single instrument into a sound experience that fills the space… an energetic pull characterized by poetic density and depth. Pounding chords, combined with feather-light melodies, tell stories. Lyrical moments alternate with tension-filled sequences of notes, coming together to form unique soundscapes. In the process, the accordion is played in a variety of ways: it is drummed, tapped, clapped, snapped, and sung.
The titles of her pieces, presented in a charmingly delivered narration, reveal her creative and often humorous approach to life’s major themes.
With her virtuoso playing and musical openness, the cosmopolitan Cathrin Pfeifer has for years been among Europe’s established ethno, jazz, and world music accordionists. In her original compositions, she seemingly effortlessly blends the most diverse traditions of her instrument into a fusion all her own, a fusion that draws equally on her classical accordion training, her numerous travels and tours across four continents, and her work in a wide variety of genres with a diverse array of musicians from various cultural backgrounds.She performs concerts from Brazil to Hong Kong, from Mozambique to Siberia—sometimes with local musicians—composes film scores, and has released nine CDs.
Tickets (€18 / reduced €15) are available by calling 038220-80465 or at the box office (while supplies last).
