Studien by Josef Anton Riedl

Josef Anton Riedl (1927–2016) occupied a unique territory in the landscape of 20th century music, standing at the intersection of concrete sound, visual media, and radical percussion. This album captures the essence of a composer who treated sound not merely as organized sound, but as a physical architecture.

Folge von 4 Studien (Sequence of 4 Studies) (1959-1962): A rigorous exploration of early electronic synthesis, demonstrating Riedl’s obsession with the "micro-events" of sound and the precise control of frequency.

Un Chien Andalou (1959): Composed for Luis Buñuel’s surrealist masterpiece, this score eschews traditional cinematic tropes in favor of an unsettling, atmospheric soundscape that mirrors the film’s dream-logic.

Komposition Nr. 2 & Nr. 3 (1963): These foundational works showcase Riedl’s "paper-music" philosophy, where complex rhythmic structures and unconventional percussion techniques create a dense, mechanical kineticism.

Sendezeichen (station ident) (1962): A fascinating artifact of Riedl’s work in public broadcasting, where he elevated the "jingle" to a high-art form of sonic branding through electronic manipulation.

Titelmusik (title music) (1962): A brief but potent example of Riedl’s ability to distill a dramatic mood into a singular, gripping electronic motif.

Leonce und Lena (1963): Written for Georg Büchner’s play, this music highlights Riedl’s collaborative spirit, using sound to punctuate the absurdity and existential wit of the theatrical stage.

From the Siemens Studio for Electronic Music, as whose director Riedl served and where he produced the recordings of these compositions, to his immersive multi-media "Galerie" events, Riedl’s influence remains a cornerstone for experimental music. This collection serves as a vital entry point into the world of a man who didn't just write music—he engineered new ways of hearing.

OTRJ 研究所 is a research center dedicated to the study, preservation and dissemination of the foundational works of 20th century contemporary and conceptual art music. An accompanying series of critically restored recordings will be released from 2020 onwards.