Experience the sound of the present in the Grand Hall: the »Elbphilharmonie Visions« festival throws the spotlight exclusively on contemporary music. This promises both an exciting musical treat and a unique chance to engage directly with the composers, asking them about the works and composing itself. How do they approach the composing process? Do they envision an entire work before they start, or does it only emerge as they write? How does their environment influence their work? And what aspirations do they have for their music?
The festival’s composers share insights into their work in a series short interviews. This edition is with Bernhard Gander, who combines orchestral music with his love of heavy metal using rock riffs and plenty of boom. His work »Blood Beat« is on the concert programme of »Elbphilharmonie Visions«.
Bernhard Gander: »Blood Beat«
What inspires you as a composer? How important is the extra-musical to you?
Everything can inspire me, but most of all it’s music itself (rhythm, melody, harmony, ...) and a range of musical genres like rap, techno, metal, and blues. I explored these styles in work like »Oozing Earth« and »Take Death«, where I collaborated with metal musicians. Extra-musical elements also inspire me, like images, nature, stories, or even comics. For instance, Spiderman influenced me when writing the piano piece »Peter Parker«, and the Hulk inspired my orchestral work »hukl«.
Do you have a fully formed idea for a work in your head before you set about composing it?
Never! I have a vague idea, and then the work comes about as I write. Step by step, I then try to find or invent something new at my desk every day, rather than just transcribing something that has already taken shape in my mind.
How would you describe the sound of our time?
There is no such thing as the »sound of our time«. There is a lot of different music, musical styles and genres.
What does contemporary music need to resonate with audiences?
Conviction and precision ... and several performances.
What do you hope audiences take away from your work after a concert?
I hope they just let themselves fall into it, with their ears and their bodies.
