A hike through challenging terrain; sounds reminiscent of light tones, smells and tastes; alchemical elements in various states of aggregation; fragmented linguistic expressions 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 that are typical of the work of Johannes Maria Staud. The composer, who was born in Innsbruck in 1974 and now teaches as a professor at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg, by no means restricts himself to diverse inspiration from all possible areas of literature. Fine art and geometry are just as much a part of his sources of inspiration as film works or theories from various branches of science, such as semiology (the study of symbols), botany or mathematics. In general, numerical relationships often play a more or less hidden role in his pieces on different levels, although this does not have to be consciously understood in order to unfold its effect.
The works compiled here from over 20 years show a continuous development, but also a distinctive style - as well as an astonishing maturity of even the earliest compositions. Staud's scores are full of precise playing instructions, which sometimes also include theatrical elements, and with detailed, often very expressive (and unconventional) performance markings. From the very beginning, Staud has mastered a wide range of tonal means, and despite the finest nuances, he also knows how to use effective effects. The grand gesture is sometimes consciously sought, but always captured by subtle means.