Amarcord Wien

Chambermusic

AMARCORD WIEN is a Quartet Violin-Cello-Bass-Accordion.

Although the musicians have their roots in the classical tradition, they are not bound to any particular style. Thrilling interpretations of such diverse composers such as Astor Piazzolla, Modest Mussorgskij and Erik Satie, are complemented by their intuitive and original arrangements of ethnic music from all corners of the world.

A remarkable sense of tonal quality, a broad stylistic pallet and the sheer joy of performing have become the trademarks of AMARCORD. They have given many performances throughout Austria, including in the celebrated concert venues of Vienna such as the Konzerthaus Wien, Radiokulturhaus, and the renowned Jazz club, Porgy&Bess; developing a substantial and dedicated following. In 2002 they performed at the opening of the Architecture-Biennale in Venice, and in 2003 they took part in the opening of the Klangwolke in Linz.

Sebastian Gürtler is an unique violinist; he can both stun you with his virtuosity and seduce you with his tone. This unconventional artist draws you with him in his continual search for new and more fertile musical pastures. Sebastian studied in music academies in Brussels, Geneva and Vienna. Many of the AMARCORD arrangements flow from his hand. Born near to Salzburg he is also 1st. Concertmaster at the Vienna"Volksoper". ->Personal Page sebastian.amarcord.at

Michael Williams is the cellist. He was born in France, and grew up in Australia. Michael is the ideal counterpoint to Sebastian Gürtler. Classically trained in Sydney, Basel and Vienna and recipient of numerous awards, his broad chamber-music experience evolved into a search for new means of expression. AMARCORD gives him this forum. What was originally a Trio grew into a quartet, enriched by Michael Williams' strong musicalpersonality. He is also 1st. Principal Cellist of the Vienna Chamber Orchestra.

The Bass player Gerhard Muthspiel belongs to a renowned Austrian musical family. His father Kurt Muthspiel left behind a great legacy as composer and collector of folk-music; brothers Christian and Wolfgang are internationally acclaimed jazz musicians. Alongside his deeper frequencies Gerhard Muthspiel is responsible for the majority of the managerial tasks. Included in his broad spectrum of instrumental achievements is the position Principal Bass of the Vienna"Volksoper".

Tommaso Huber, the accordion player from AMARCORD, was surrounded by folk music from his early years in his home town in Upper Austria. There he learned the accordion from his father. Later he took up the bass and studied at the Music University in Vienna. Tommaso feels equally drawn to, and equally at home with classical and folk music. As bassist he is a member of the"Volksoper"Vienna and as accordion player his special synthesis of classical and ethnic music resonates throughout Amarcord's music. ->Personal Page tommaso.amarcord.at

A fundamental principle of the ensemble is to enable the arrangements to evolve together through intensive rehearsal , seeking new forms and exploring the expressive potential of the works, not shy to deviate from the original. Every arrangement is continually reborn and never becomes stagnant. This playful and irreverent approach to the musical material characterizes the difference between AMARCORD and other classical ensembles. The joy of playing takes preference over academic correctness, whatever style of music it might be.

For further information please visit:www.amarcord.at