A hike through challenging terrain; sounds reminiscent of light tones, smells, and tastes; alchemical elements in various states of aggregation; fragmented linguistic utterances and their musical resonance, or even a (seemingly) abstract number—the chamber music works on this CD cover a wide range of allusions and associations typical of Johannes Maria Staud's work. Born in Innsbruck in 1974, the composer, who now teaches as a professor at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg, does not limit himself to diverse inspirations from all possible areas of literature. Visual arts and geometry are just as much a source of inspiration for him as cinematic works or theories from various scientific disciplines, such as semiology (the study of signs), botany, or mathematics. In fact, numerical ratios often play a more or less hidden role in his pieces on different levels, but this does not have to be consciously understood in order for them to have an effect.
The works compiled here from over 20 years reveal a continuous development, but also a distinctive style – as well as an astonishing maturity even in the earliest compositions. Staud's scores are full of precise performance instructions, which sometimes also include theatrical elements, and detailed, often very expressive (and unconventional) performance markings. From the outset, Staud has demonstrated virtuoso command of a wide range of tonal resources, knowing how to use effective effects despite the finest nuances. The grand gesture is sometimes deliberately sought, but always counterbalanced by subtle means.