The International Nothing is a Berlin-based psycho-acoustic clarinet duo formed by Michael Thieke and Kai Fagaschinski in 2000. They collectively compose multilayered sound sculptures using multiphonics, beat frequencies and difference tones as an integral part of their language. Both musicians are well known as improvisers but in this project they develop and perform exclusively their own compositions.
Every four years the duo releases an album on the Japanese Label Ftarri. In 2018 they are presenting their fourth duo album In Doubt We Trust. While each of the previous releases consisted of several shorter pieces the duo is now going epic for the first time. The new album is made of a single work of 37 plus minutes. 2 1⁄2 years of deep sonic research in seclusion not only yielded a formal change, but also revealed new and yet unheard acoustic scenarios in slow pace and of fragile beauty.
The duo played concerts all over Europe, North America and East Asia, including Donaueschinger Musiktage (2007), Konfrontationen (Nickelsdorf 2008), Experimental Intermedia (New York 2009), Maerzmusik (Berlin 2009), Serrales em Festo (Porto 2010), Météo Festival (Mulhouse 2012), Festival International de Musique Actuelle De Victoriaville (2015), Music Unlimited (Wels 2015), Ftarri Festival (Tokyo 2015), and Borderline Festival (Athens 2017).
Sabine Ercklentz and Tisha Mukarji, both distinct composer/performers active as solo-artists as well as in various collaborations within the Berlin scene and in international waters, have only played few concerts as a duo so far. After first having heard them at ausland a while ago, however, this constellation appeared immediately compelling and natural: Rather leaving room than occupying it, they manage to create a unique sound which is sparse and calm, but at the same time intrinsically rich and of a complex, winding inner life.
Their music comes with an appearance of effortless, unprententious coolness, almost chill, which is in turn just the vehicle for the emergence of a very special, magic warmth, which doesn’t have the need to eradiate anymore, but has resorted to self-sufficiency.
Looking at the surface of the sea, we can’t trace back the streams and winds that swayed it – listening to the Ercklentz/Mukarji-duo, after all, gives us an acoustic sketch of them.
The International Nothing: “In Doubt We Trust” (record release concert) and Sabine Ercklentz + Tisha Mukarji
Wednesday, 24th October 2018 | Doors 20:00 CET | Starts 20:30 CET
ausland | Lychener Straße 60 | 10437 Berlin
ausland.berlin | nichts.klingt.org/ | theinternationalnothing.bandcamp.com/ | sabine-ercklentz/ | Event @ Facebook
