Eva Mayerhofer: LIFE AND DEATH

Eva Mayerhofer - vocals; Roger Hanschel - alto saxophone; Matthias Lingenfelder - violin; Martina Horejsi - viola; Ulrike Zavelberg - cello; Dietmar Fuhr - bass; Afra Mussawisade - percussion

The poems of the English poet Christina Rossetti (1830 – 1894), who is not yet widely known in this country, are the original idea behind the new musical project of singer Eva Mayerhofer. The lyrically sensual music of composer and saxophonist Roger Hanschel forms the congenial counterpart for the setting of these poems to music.

The compositions for voice, saxophone, string trio, double bass, and percussion oscillate between chamber music finesse and refined, sophisticated grooves.

The three renowned, classically trained string players of the ensemble, Matthias Lingenfelder (Auryn Quartet), Ulrike Zavelberg (Rubin Quartet), and Martina Horejsi (Rubin Quartet/Gürzenich Orchestra), stand for the highest virtuosity and masterful interpretation. The extraordinary instrumentation of Iranian percussionist Afra Mussawisade and the grounded sound of double bassist Dietmar Fuhr form the foundation of the musical architecture, in whose sound structure the richness of color of Roger Hanschel's saxophone playing can optimally unfold. The emotional texts of Rossetti are interpreted by Eva Mayerhofer with sensitivity, unpretentiousness, and passion.

Press:

"This is great, no: maximum artistic design. Outstanding." - Jazz Podium (Volker Doberstein) 02/17

"Not only through Rossetti's texts alone has it become a mournfully melancholic album that never feels cumbersome. Eva Mayerhofer's voice underscores and sounds tailor-made. A beautifully successful implementation of literary setting." - melodiva.de 02/17 (Anja Klein)