Abtauchen by Markus Lehmann-Horn for guitar and triangle. Published by Doblinger 35 965
Markus is a new name to me. He was born 1977 in Munich and after piano and guitar lessons, he started to focus on writing. He is now an award winning film-music composer and not surprisingly Stefan Barcsay wanted to commission a guitar work from him. The result can be heard here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWR4BmKLbjE
Abtauchen is translated as ‘submerge’ and in this instance implies a descent from bustle and activity to contemplative repose. This is a tremendously effective virtuoso piece which I found thrilling. The bustle is achieved with a combination of damping, different articulations, irregular phrasing and a motoric quality which is as challenging as it is exciting. As the soundscape becomes sparser the rich warmth of the low C tuning is counterpointed against the bell like quality of the triangle, the beater of which is also used as a glissando tool on the guitar.
Stefan’s YouTube performance makes for a compelling advocacy of this wonderful five-minute work. Only accomplished players need apply for the job of realising this music, but what a great concert work it is.
Colin Tommis. May 2021.