Martin Vatter—Homeland
Martin Vatter is a German pianist/composer playing and writing in the New Age genre. New Age music is often described as optimistic, life affirming and relaxing. Not Muzak. And definitely not Muzak in the case of this gifted German artist.
Musically, the twelve tracks of his latest recording, Homeland, include titles such as ‘Exciting’, ‘Soulful Moments’, ‘Forgotten Love’ and ‘Your Tears Will Dry’. The titles could be considered of one focus. But don’t let that bias put you off listening to this lovely, musical album.
First, Vatter is a very fine pianist who makes his Bösendorfer Imperial concert grand sing with a fine touch—he utilizes all 97 keys (a full 8 octaves). As such, Vatter, like any musician would insist on a fine recording. What Vatter receives is one of the finest piano recordings you are likely to hear.
Melodically, Vatter’s pieces reflect his titles—reflective, winsome, then powerful and dynamic (especially on ‘Forced to Flee My Homeland’). Harmonically, he is a little more strictured and devotees of the greatest Western Art Music may find the lack of key changes and modulations not to their taste. But Vatter does intersperse the simple progressions with very interesting piano effects and sophisticated 7th, 9th and 13th chords.
Recording
Vatter says:
Homeland was recorded both digitally and on analog tape on a Bösendorfer grand piano in the MPS studio. At the MPS-Studio Oscar Peterson and Friedrich Gulda were "exclusive artists" in the 80s and world-famous and legendary recordings were made with the same concert grand piano and (almost) the same microphones I used for my recording.
I listened to Homeland on my reference system in our music room from the CD and FLAC files and late night streaming Qobuz through my SONOS system on our main living level. It sounded fantastic on all three formats, with a glass of red wine and good company accompanying the SONOS streaming session.
I’m in the middle of a review of a very highly regarded CD player and loved the musical sound from the bog standard Redbook. The higher resolution FLAC files were incredibly detailed and very powerful on the damping bass string effects.
I would vote all audiophiles purchase this album to test the resolution of their digital systems and its ability to play musically. But, every exhibitor at audio shows would be best to include this album in their playlists. They can truly demonstrate what an outstanding piano sounds like, one of the most difficult instruments to record. And, how the big Bösendorfer sounds at full tilt!
The dynamic range of the recording is spectacular. And though the bass damping (and flawless decay) is very special, listen to the stratospheric high notes for their crystalline character as they retain the heart of the notes. Many times, even very good recordings characterize this extreme register as a harpsichord.
Jürgen Reis, MBL’s Chief Engineer for over thirty years, mastered Homeland and it was recorded by Gerd Puchelt of legendary MPS Studio. It’s sensational. A musically worthy album of demonstration quality. A winner for music lovers, audiophiles and audio professionals.
Further information: Martin Vatter
