Zeiten(w)ende

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Description +
- “zeiten(w)ende" is a play of words on the German terms “Zeitenwende” (which translates to “turning point” or “epochal shift”) and “Zeitenende” (end of times). Always swaying between something tangible and something vague this composition thematises our societies’ struggle to let go of familiar rhythms of the past and give way to profound renewal in the face of climate crisis. A ”Zeitenwende” is not merely a change in behaviour but a deeper, almost tectonic shift in our cultural and emotional landscape, where the echoes of what was once familiar gradually fade, giving rise to the birth of a new way of thinking.
  
  In order to emphasise the global relevance of the subject matter, this piece also incorporates world music elements, musically exploring the fine line between failure and utopia. In my opinion, the urgency of taking much stronger measures in relation to the climate crisis is unfortunately not recognised as such by large sections of the population. The resulting feeling of powerlessness can only be overcome through action.
  
  At the end, the audience is left with a question: Musically, the final bars of the work can be interpreted as either a catastrophe or a catharsis. The future remains open.
Instrumentation +
- Required Instruments:
  
  Player 1
  Marimba (5.0 Octave)
  
  Player 2
  Vibraphone (w/ motor)
  
  Player 3
  Splash Cymbal & China Cymbal
  Glockenspiel (model without outer frame for use of bow)
  Snare Drum
  Stand Tom
  Bass Drum
  Tam-Tam (medium size)
  Djembe
  
  Player 4
  Splash Cymbal
  Crotali (c2, c#2, f2, g2, g#2, c3, c#3, e3, f3, f#3, a3, b3)
  5 Taiko Drums
  Timpani 32”
  Darbouka
About the composer +
- Maximilian Wolfgang Schwarz (*1997 in Vienna) is one of the most versatile percussionists of his generation. The multi-award-winning multi-percussionist and drummer has been performing on major international stages for many years, either as a soloist or as a guest with renowned ensembles such as Elbtonal Percussion or the CBPercussion Group at spectacular festivals and projects. In addition to selected works of contemporary classical music, his constantly growing solo repertoire primarily includes his own compositions. Max Schwarz cultivates a hybrid compositional style consisting of classical compositional approaches from different eras and cultures, his own serial concepts and electronic production. His avant-garde pieces are published by Edition Svitzer (Copenhagen); he also regularly produces for television, film and theatre.
  
  As part of the jury of the ‘Stellar Composition Competition’ (2nd prize for Constellations I), percussion luminary Dame Evelyn Glennie praised the piece with the following words: ‘It's the best piece I have ever come across that explores sound effects on the marimba in a really musical way. It is the essence of the piece rather than an ‘addition’. Maximilian is absolutely superb and the video work is really well done.’
  
  As a drummer, he fuses driving grooves, elements from world music and complex polyrhythms with live electronics. With this characteristic style, he is part of the world music/electronica trio maTrigal. Max Schwarz is currently studying classical percussion with Prof. Alexej Gerassimez at the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich in the postgraduate programme ‘Excellence in Performance’. In 2023/2024 he toured Germany, Austria, Italy, France and Spain.
Credits +
- Front Cover graphics and layout: Renate Lutter
  Photo: Reiner Nicklas
  Printed in Copenhagen, Denmark
  Copyright © Edition SVITZER
  www.editionsvitzer.com
  With support from Koda’s Cultural Funds

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