Paradies

Item details

• Description +

  • The piece "Paradies" was composed in 1996 as the soundtrack for Doris Dörrie's film of the same name. Originally scored for piano and saxophone, the composition was performed by Claus Bantzer himself alongside his long-time musical collaborator, Polish saxophonist Leszek Zadlo. The piece embodies a haunting, romantic beauty that perfectly mirrors the melancholic and dramatic atmosphere of the film. Its evocative, emotionally charged soundscape plays a crucial role in capturing the film's introspective and somber mood.
    
    Stephan Krause arranged "Paradies" for Elbtonal Percussion in 2002. The first recording of this piece was featured on the ensemble's 2005 album Four Elements, released by ACT Music. In 2010, a live recording was included on the CD/DVD In Concert, produced by Dude Records.
    
    As Elbtonal Percussion is a quartet, the ensemble opted to record a version of "Paradies" for four percussionists, using a pre-recorded tape to substitute for the fifth part. However, this score reflects Krause's original arrangement, intended for five percussion players.

• Instrumentation +

  • Percussion Quintet
    
    Player 1:
    Vibraphone 1
    Cymbal
    Chicken
    Shaker
    
    Player 2:
    Vibraphone 2
    
    Player 3:
    Marimba
    Wha Wha Tube
    
    Player 4:
    Udu
    Rope Bells (w/ foot)
    
    Player 5:
    Finger Cymbal
    Snare Dr.
    Gr. Cassa
    Rain Maker

• Watch+

  • Performed by Elbtonal Percussion
    
    

• About the composer +

  • Claus Bantzer, born in Marburg, Germany, in 1942, is a renowned organist, composer, and conductor. He studied piano, organ, and conducting in Frankfurt/Main and Hamburg. Since 1975, Bantzer has served as the organist at St. Johannis-Harvestehude in Hamburg. However, his influence extends far beyond the city, where his name has become synonymous with intellectually rigorous music, a spirit of experimentation, and a willingness to embrace crossover projects that blend genres and styles.
    
    In addition to his distinguished work as an organist and choir conductor, Bantzer has made significant contributions as a composer across various musical genres, including jazz, film music, and contemporary classical music. He has composed numerous film scores, collaborating with prominent directors such as Doris Dörrie, Peter Lilienthal, Jan Schütte, and Tevik Baser. His work in film music has earned him several prestigious awards, including the Federal Award for Film Music in 1987 and the "Prix de la Sacem" at the Jewish-Israeli Film Festival in France in 1994.
    
    In recognition of his contributions to music and culture, Bantzer was honored with the Max-Brauer-Preis from the Alfred Töpfer Foundation in 2001. In 2004, he was appointed as a member of the Free Academy of Arts in Hamburg. For his outstanding contributions to Hamburg's music scene, he was awarded the Senator Biermann Ratjen Medal by the Hamburg Senate.
    
    Claus Bantzer's legacy continues to thrive through his extensive work in both sacred and secular music, film scoring, and his openness to innovative musical forms. More information about his career and achievements can be found at www.clausbantzer.de.
    
    ____________
    
    
    Stephan Krause, born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1970, is a versatile percussionist and drummer with a rich musical background. He studied classical percussion and jazz drumming in Freiburg and Hamburg, which set the stage for a dynamic and diverse career. His comprehensive training opened doors to a wide range of musical endeavors, including performing with leading orchestras and chamber ensembles across northern Germany. He has also established himself as a sought-after band and session musician, collaborating with renowned artists and groups such as "Ich & Ich," "Meute," "Ensemble Resonanz," and the "NDR Big Band."
    
    A significant focus of Krause’s work has been in theater music, where he has contributed to productions at prestigious venues such as the Hamburg Schauspielhaus, the historic Hansa Theater Varieté, and the Thalia Theater. These collaborations have taken him on major tours and guest performances across Germany and internationally, with destinations as far as South America and Australia.
    
    In 1996, Krause founded the percussion ensemble Elbtonal Percussion, with which he has released 10 CDs, 3 DVDs, and performed in over 400 concerts. Additionally, he has a longstanding collaboration with jazz singer Gabriele Hasler and co-founded the "BCKtrio" alongside his father, Claus Bantzer (organ/piano), and jazz saxophonist Gabriel Coburger. Together, they have released two CDs.
    
    Krause is also an accomplished composer, focusing primarily on works for percussion, from solo to sextet, many of which were composed for Elbtonal Percussion. His creative output extends to children's music as well, having developed songs in collaboration with EUROPA/Sony Music, which were released on two CDs under the title "Tom the Drummer."
    
    In 2022, Stephan Krause was appointed as a professor of drums and percussion at the Hamburg University of Music and Theater, where he continues to shape the next generation of musicians.
    
    www.stephankrause.net
    
    
    

• Credits +

  • Front Cover Design: Nicola Lee
    Printed in Copenhagen, Denmark
    Copyright © Edition SVITZER
    www.editionsvitzer.com

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