‘Phloem’ features 15 compositions in a cycle of 12 movements for accordion and harp. The individual meditations, which form the foundation of the work, are each followed by an interpolation, which musically expands the meditation by a further dimension.

Over the course of the cycle, both the musical relationship between accordion and harp, as well as the interpretative demands on the musicians, change. Both instruments establish dynamics in their interactions through different frequency relationships, in which space can be found for complementary responses between the instruments and improvisational elements. One result is asymmetrical rhythms, which present the accordion with new playing techniques.

The works of Hannes Kerschbaumer, who has received multiple prizes and grants, are performed at major festivals, such as the World Saxophone Congress, the Internationale Ferienkursen für Neue Musik in Darmstadt, the Musikprotokoll im Steirischen Herbst, the Klangspuren Schwarz, and Wien Modern. He works with ensembles such as the Arditti Quartet, Klangforum Wien, and the Haydn Orchestra.

By Karl Huber