Ernstalbrecht Stiebler (b. 1934) is a German composer of minimalist and reductionist contemporary music. His name is still most closely associated with his long-time position as radio editor and producer for New Music at “Hessischer Rundfunk”, but his own compositional oeuvre – beginning in 1955 and continuing until now – has in the recent years attracted more attention with various concerts and several releases.
Having attended the Darmstadt International Summer Courses for New Music from 1958 onwards, Stiebler decided in 1963 to leave serial music behind and instead opt for his own reductionist style built on minimalist structures and repetitions, though not in any way related to the so-called Minimal Music but rather influenced by Minimalism in visual art. In terms of composers of his time, the closest stylistic relationship that could be drawn is that to Morton Feldman. Stiebler’s approach is best summarized in his own words: “Music is too important to burden it with emotions.”
Since the 1960s, Ernstalbrecht Stiebler has reduced a few sounds to even fewer, distilling what is essential for his work: Invitations to listen, ever new formulations of the idea of an inner listening space that he invites us to enter. With serene intensity, Stiebler turns to the individual tone, the fluctuation, an interval, and creates a sound space that seems alien. Using the means of repetition, his music is an incessant visualization of the here and now. As an outsider, he persistently and profoundly pursues a path with his art on which younger generations are now coming to meet him.
EA90 | Festival for the 90th birthday of Ernstalbrecht Stiebler
With Werner Dafeldecker – Kontrabass, Sarah Davachi – Orgel, Tilman Kanitz – Cello, Dylan Kerr, Stimme, Christian Kesten, Stimme, Rebecca Lane – Flöte, Hartmut Leistritz – Klavier, Sabrina Ma – Schlagzeug, Michael Rauter – Cello, Caleb Salgado – Kontrabass, Astrid Schmeling, Flöte, Klavier, Grégoire Simon – Viola, Dafne Vicente-Sandoval – Fagott and Biliana Voutchkova – Violine
11+12.5.2024 | Doors 18:00 CET | Starts 18:30 CET
Theater im Delphi | Gustav-Adolf-Strasse 2 in 13086 Berlin
http://ea90.de
11.5. | 18:30 – 20:45 Monochromie
The concert “Monochromie”, curated by Hauke Harder, focuses on Stiebler’s compositions of the 90s and his piano music. With Tilman Kanitz, Hartmut Leistritz and Astrid Schmeling. A screening of the film “Zeile für Zeile” by Viola Rusche and Hauke Harder are planned beforehand.
12.5. | 17:00 – 18:00 Extension
This concert entitled “Extension”, curated by Biliana Voutchkova, will feature the string trio Extension I from 1963 and new works and music by female composers that relate to Stiebler’s work.
Performers: Sarah Davachi, Michael Rauter, Grégoire Simon, Dafne Vicente-Sandoval, Biliana Voutchkova
12.5. | 19:00 – 19:45 Empfindsamkeit
The concert “Empfindsamkeit”, curated by Tilman Kanitz, premieres pieces for ensemble and voice. Participants: Werner Dafeldecker, Tilman Kanitz, Dylan Kerr, Christian Kesten, Rebecca Lane, Sabrina Ma, Michael Rauter, Caleb Salgado, Ernstalbrecht Stiebler
The festival was made possible by funding from the Musikfonds and INM Berlin.
