Michael Thieke and Kai Fagaschinski aka The International Nothing are protagonists of Berlin’s Echtzeitmusik scene. Starting out in 2000 in a noise-based improvised music setting, by 2003 the duo had shifted their working method to composition with the focus on tonal material.
Despite this, The International Nothing is not trying to act like an academic new music ensemble. Instead they are a band, working on their own compositions collectively and free of hierarchical structures.
httpv://https://youtu.be/avRCEx6DC9E
Through the delicate use of multiphonics, beat frequencies and difference tones they developed a idiosyncratic sound. The two clarinets act less as dialogic twin, and more as a multilayered stereophonic sound sculpture.
The music places an emphasis on fragile dynamics, though the compositions make sure to shape very clear and precise forms within those areas. And even though the music is played and presented purely acoustically, it may cause strong associations with electronic music.
httpv://https://youtu.be/RNrTn5oU8WU
The duo has played all over Europe and toured North America. They‘ve presented their music at Donaueschinger Musiktage, Konfrontationen, Experimental Intermedia, Maerzmusik, Serrales em Festo, Internationale Ferienkurse für Neue Musik, and Météo Festival.
The Dark Side Of Success is the duo’s third album following 2006’s Mainstream and 2010’s Less Action, Less Excitement, Less Everything (both out on Ftarri). While the formula of operations has remained the same over the last 10 years, The Dark Side documents an evolution of their sound.
httpv://https://youtu.be/1azBh9KPW3o
Their instrumental and compositional skills have been sharpened and the attention for detail has reached new degrees of subtlety. Thieke and Fagaschinski worked for 3 1/2 years – 2010 to 2013 – on the six pieces included on the album.
The clarinetists record their music as they perform it live. By The International Nothing’s ethics any studio trickery is strictly forbidden.
Three Nights Of Completely Nothing – part III
Sunday, 29 June 2014 | 20:30 CET
Ausland | Lychener Str. 60 | 10437 Berlin/Prenzlauer Berg
nichts.klingt.org | kylie.klingt.org | ausland-berlin.de
