Wolfgang Muthspiel's 'Etudes/Quietudes': A Master Craftsman's Journey
Austrian guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel is set to release a new solo album that's both a celebration of craftsmanship and a deeply personal musical statement.
Etudes/Quietudes, out October 18, 2024 on Clap Your Hands, showcases Muthspiel's virtuosity on the acoustic guitar and his gift for composition.
The heart of the album is a collection of 11 concert etudes, each exploring a different aspect of guitar technique. These pieces range from reflective to animated, demonstrating Muthspiel's ability to blend classical guitar traditions with the improvisational spirit of jazz.
Interspersed among the etudes are four additional pieces that add variety and depth to the album. These include Muthspiel's homage to jazz pianist Bill Evans, an improvised take on a Bach sarabande, a partly improvised rendition of Paul Motian's "Abacus," and a brief, lively piece called "Triplet Droplet."
For Muthspiel, this album is more than just a collection of technical exercises. "I wrote my own etudes to practice certain technical aspects. Then I fell in love with the compositional process they inspired," he explains. The guitarist sees these pieces as a celebration of craft, reflecting his belief that true creativity blossoms from a foundation of deep-rooted mastery.
Etudes/Quietudes also represents a personal journey for Muthspiel. "For me, this album is a musical narrative - a reflection of my journey from violinist to classical guitarist to jazz musician," he shares. The album effortlessly bridges the classical and jazz worlds that have shaped Muthspiel's musical life, creating a unique sound that defies easy categorization.
Recorded at the Vienna Radiokulturhaus and mixed at Studio La Buissonne in the south of France, the album captures the intimacy and immediacy of Muthspiel's playing. While the pieces were written for classical guitar, Muthspiel notes that they can be performed on other instruments as well.
Etudes/Quietudes will be released on CD and LP through Clap Your Hands, as well as on all major streaming platforms. The score for the 11 etudes will be available for purchase as a download or in a printed music book that includes the CD. Digital pre-orders available now.
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