Our Music by Artist 
German musician Bernward Koch (kahtch) has experienced a most astonishing rise within the international New Age music scene over the last decade. Koch's fame began to ascend when the artist (among greats such as Bonnie Raitt, Sting, Basia and Ottmar Liebert) contributed a track for two Aids-benefit compilations initiated by California radio stations KKSF and THE WAVE.
Today Bernward Koch is considered by many as among the genre's leading artists.
No one who knows Koch's music is surprised by his success. The classically trained artist composes pieces of outstanding formal maturity and with an astonishing musical finesse. Koch himself calls his compositions "songs without lyrics," and indeed they are delicately crafted and clearly show their creator's sense of form. His arrangements are always marked by a tasteful balance of synthesized and natural sounds. The organic pulse of a real, flesh and blood drummer, Bernward's brother Christoph, is essential for Koch's music, and the exquisite flute playing of his wife, Christine Böhm, has over the years become a trademark feature in his sound.
Real Music has represented the music of Bernward Koch since he signed with us in 1998. Cds available worldwide are Flowing, Journey to the Heart, Walking Through Clouds and now Gentle Spirit, released May 2009.
For more information about Bernward Koch, please visit his web site at: www.bernwardkoch.com
Reviews
Gentle Spirit is the perfect title for this latest release from German composer/pianist Bernward Koch. Silken melodies float on soft languid tones, soothing the mind and easing away the cares of the day. A few of the fifteen tracks have strong but quiet rhythms, while others are more ethereal. Koch appears on piano, keyboards, guitar, bass, glockenspiel, and programming. He is joined by his wife, Christiane Boehm, on flute, and his brother, Christoph, on percussion, making this is an elegant family project. There are places on this record that remind me strongly of label-mate Kevin Kern - never a bad thing, by any means! I just hope that the Real Music signature sound doesn’t become so homogenized that one artist is indistinguishable from the others. The production quality on this album is incredible, as it always is with Real Music releases.
Gentle Spirit begins with “The Treasure,” a breezy piece for piano, light percussion, and keyboards that sets the serene tone of the album. If it’s possible, “Immortal Thoughts” is even more soothing. As the title suggests, it is reflective and dreamy, seducing the listener into a peaceful state of mind. I really like “Get Free,” which picks up the rhythm a bit and offers a poignant, bittersweet melody. “Fragrant Way” also has a compelling rhythm along with a touch of exotic spice - lovely! “Under Trees” has the lazy pace of an afternoon daydream. Flute and organ add some contrasting colors that really work. “An Ancient Dance” is a surprising guitar solo that fits in better than you might expect. Elegant and graceful, it harkens back to less stressful and complicated times. “Back To Myself” is another favorite. More improvised and free, it is both mysterious and reflective with a slightly agitated edge. “A Little Ode” shimmers with grace and solitude. “Multi-Colored Windows” has a magical tranquility and a gentle sparkle. “A Shimmer of Leaves” ends the album with a message of hope and peace. Gentle Spirit is a soothing balm for the mind and soul. It’s a beauty!
Kathy Parsons, MainlyPiano.com 7/29/09
Click here to read Kathy Parsons' interview with Bernward Koch.
Refreshing Breeze from Bruen
Gentle Spirit is the name of the new CD from Bernward Koch, released from the U.S label Real Music. This is his 8th CD, with 15 new compositions of distinctive composition. Catchy melodies create an atmosphere of suggestive magic. His music is timeless and refreshing, inspiring, seduces one to dream and evokes romantic, relaxing and positive impressions from the first note. Created with musical finesse and a successful mixture of sounds.
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Karen Kael
said:
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... Bernward Koch has just launched his new web site. Check it out! www.bernwardkoch.com |
