#90seconds (1) - Start of a Blog

The Matangis have started a new initiative: #90seconds.
Matangi seeks deepening and artistic interpretation of online artistry in these times of isolation and loneliness.

Based on Helmut Krausser's novel Melodien, Matangi is looking for the secret melodies with mysterious healing powers which are believed to be lost. Composers from all over the world participate in this quest and compose a 90-second melody for string quartet. (read more)

We have daily contact using chat and mail, but since 16 March the physical meetings are limited to a minimum. Never in 20 years have we seen each other so little, which is all unreal. This is not to say that we have nothing to do, because we are working hard behind the scenes.
Moving concerts, maintaining contacts, coming up with new ideas and working them out, in short, looking at what is still possible and ensuring that we are ready for the moment when the halls can open again.
 
Our project #90seconds is really evolving beyond expectations. Composers we have never had contact with, but whose music we really like, almost all of them commit to this project. We already have a beautiful list.

It fills us with pride when we put a new composition on the desk above which is written "for the Matangi Quartet". Last week this was the case with the compositions by Bob Zimmerman, Martin Fondse, Kate Moore, Zacharias Falkenberg, Jonathan Dove, Wolfert Brederode and Chick Corea. A fantastic collection of new pieces. In the afternoon Wolfert visited our rehearsalroom so that we could try out and fine-tune his composition.
It is special to see how each composer knows his own way in the 90-second restriction. Bob Zimmerman uses tempo and time changes, Zacharias searches for different playing techniques, Martin Fondse wrote four parts, each with its own character, while Kate Moore made a fascinating piece with one basic thought. Where Jonathan Dove sought it in high, soft long lines, Chick Corea made a lyrical waltz full of freedom.
In the coming blogs we will tell you more about the composers we have approached now, when we will be recording again and our relationship with the composers. All very special professionals who we really love.

Karsten Kleijer

(watch the #90seconds videos here)
(read the other blogposts here)