Donau so Blue

Friedrich Gulda, the renowned Austrian pianist and composer, presents "Donau so Blue," a captivating exploration of classical piano and jazz fusion, released on October 17, 2014, via MPS. This enchanting album, spanning 39 minutes, features six tracks that blend Gulda's virtuosic piano playing with the rich textures of an Austrian rhythm section, including bassist Johann Anton Rettenbacher and drummer Manfred Josel.

The album opens with "Die Schöne Musi," setting the stage for a journey through Gulda's unique musical landscape. "Donau so Blue" follows, offering a fresh take on the classic waltz, showcasing Gulda's ability to reinvent familiar tunes with a jazz sensibility. "Hau Di in Gatsch" and "Selbstgespräch Im Kasgraben" delve deeper into Gulda's eclectic style, combining classical elegance with improvisational flair.

"Requiem" provides a moment of reflection, highlighting Gulda's compositional prowess, while "Andrerseits" concludes the album with a lively, upbeat tempo. Throughout "Donau so Blue," Friedrich Gulda demonstrates his mastery of both classical and jazz idioms, creating a timeless collection that celebrates his innovative approach to music. This album is a testament to Gulda's enduring legacy as a pioneer in the fusion of classical and jazz genres.

Friedrich Gulda was an Austrian musical maverick, equally at home in the worlds of classical and jazz piano. Born in Vienna in 1930, Gulda began his piano journey at the age of seven and went on to win the prestigious Geneva International Music Competition in 1946. His career was marked by a fearless blending of genres, with a discography that includes not just classical masterpieces like Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier and Beethoven's 32 Piano Sonatas, but also spontaneous jazz improvisations and collaborations with legends like Joe Zawinul and Chick Corea. Gulda's compositions often fused notated music with large improvised sections, reflecting his belief in the power of spontaneity. Known for his eccentric stage personality and unconventional ideas, Gulda earned the nickname 'terrorist-pianist,' challenging musical norms and leaving an indelible mark on both the classical and jazz scenes. His legacy continues to inspire, with his interdisciplinary approach and artistic heritage celebrated through various events and exhibitions.