Soundmaschine
by Fredi Alberti
Fredi Alberti, born in 1954 in West-Germany, is a musician and composer who has gained recognition for his work in experimental and avant-garde music. His career spans decades, and his work encompasses a variety of projects that emphasize innovation in sound and performance. His proficiency with the cello, horn, and ukulele has allowed him to explore unconventional approaches to composition and improvisation, establishing himself as a unique figure in contemporary music.
Alberti’s musical education began in Germany, where he studied cello improvisation and sound composition under Professor Johannes Fritsch. He further developed his craft at the Akademie für Tonkunst Darmstadt, where he participated in a horn orchestra and explored the intersections of classical and experimental music. His early influences included new music, ethnological studies, and Pythagorean philosophy, which informed his understanding of sound as both a mathematical and artistic phenomenon.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Alberti became a prominent member of the band Pan-Ra, an ensemble known for its experimental compositions and innovative soundscapes. Collaborating with musicians such as Michel Poitau, who played the 12-string guitar, and band-leader "Chobo" Csaba Koncz, Alberti contributed to the group’s distinctive sonic identity.
During this period, Alberti also released recordings through labels like Artfusion or Animato, and engaged in a range of collaborative projects. He worked with and collaborated with a large number of musicians, including Indian sitar player Krishna Bhatt, best known for having played tabla on Robert Ashley's 1978 record Private Parts, and for his collaboration with renowned figures like Terry Riley in 2017 or the Kronos Quartet, along with musicians like percussionist Karl Kempf from the Spacecakes duo, performing at events such as Mannheim’s Lichtmeile. These performances were characterized by Alberti’s ability to integrate traditional instruments with experimental techniques, which became a hallmark of his style.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Alberti’s career is his engagement with nature in his performances. In one notable example, he performed for a cow in a rural setting, using his cello to create a dialogue between human and animal. This performance exemplified Alberti’s belief in the universality of music and its ability to transcend traditional boundaries. Such interactions reflect his broader philosophy, understanding music as a dynamic and interactive process, capable of engaging with the environment in profound ways.
Fredi Alberti’s contributions to experimental music are characterized by their intellectual rigor and technical innovation. His work demonstrates a deep engagement with the possibilities of sound, redefining the role of traditional instruments in contemporary music. By integrating improvisation, collaboration, and interaction with the environment, Alberti has established himself as a significant figure in the field of avant-garde music. His career serves as a testament to the transformative potential of experimental music and its ability to challenge and expand the boundaries of artistic expression.
From 1975’s Jazz Forum 35:
"Jazz cello players are a rare species and so are French horn players. Fredi Alberti does both, and therefore he's the man to watch. He also plays piano, guitar and other instruments, freely mixing jazz, rock and classical idioms. It is with the cello however that he achieves the most interesting effects with frequent use of amplification and various electronic gadgets.
Fredi hails from the Frankfurt music scene and now studies music in Russelheim. For the last three years his music career has developed simultaneously as a member of various jazz-rock groups and as a solo concert performer. His current group Soundmaschine features other equally talented musicians.
Ingo Werner has studied double bass, piano, bassoon and directing at the Academy of Music in Darmstadt. Later on he played with pop, rock and jazz groups and even recorded a rock album for the Bellaphon label. He plays electric piano, synthesizer and percussion with the group.
Jo Kaufmann has also studied piano, bassoon and music teaching at Darmstadt. He then played first bassoon in an orchestra in Hamburg working simultasneously with rock and jazz groups. He plays EMS synthesizer, bassoon, Fender piano and self-made instruments now. Besides working with the group he also composes avant-garde classical pieces."
