To mark the 100th anniversary of Morton Feldman’s (1926–1987) birth, the Klangwerkstatt Berlin is dedicating a concert to his exceptional late works.

With For Philip Guston, Morton Feldman created one of the most extraordinary works in music history in 1984: a roughly four-hour composition for flute, piano/celesta, and percussion, dedicated to the painter Philip Guston. The two artists were bound by a close friendship spanning decades, one that ultimately broke apart over differing artistic views. It was only after Guston's death that Feldman found his way to this musical homage.

For Philip Guston is one of Feldman's most uncompromising pieces. As he said,he wanted to write a piece in which he would stop asking questions: a piece with no preconceived idea of its own, and without worrying whether listeners would stay seated or walk out, or whether the musicians would want to play it at all. Through subtle sonic nuances, hovering repetitions, and almost weightless stretches of time, the music unfolds without dramatic climax, placing listening itself at the center. For Philip Guston is both a concert and an immersive experience. It is an invitation to experience time in a new and different way and to immerse yourself in the fragility of sound. This rarely performed landmark of New Music is a powerful testament to an extraordinary artistic friendship.

+++Note: The concert lasts approximately four hours. To ensure you have an enjoyable concert experience, we’ll provide chairs as well as a limited number of mats to lie on. Feel free to bring your own flat mats (no air mattresses or similar items). Space is limited. Please understand that we may not be able to accommodate all mats brought to the venue.+++