A few years ago the Cologne-based composer Marcus Antonius Wesselmann (born in Germany’s Ruhr district in 1965) according to a critic managed an impressive catapult start from naught to sixty with a concert programme partly documented on the present CD.

Since that time he has established himself on the contemporary music map so that NEOS now has decided to start an edition series wholly dedicated to his work. The first CD features furious interpretations of four refreshingly non-academic ensemble works in jazz-typical instrumental line-ups, interpreted by the internationally outstanding Ensemble Modern conducted by Franck Ollu.

Wesselmann’s music combines elements of minimal music with strict constructions, an exuberant playfulness with virtually transcendent virtuosity.

Founded in 1980 and at home in Frankfurt am Main since 1985, the Ensemble Modern (EM) is one of the world’s leading ensembles for contemporary music. Currently, the ensemble unites 19 soloists from eight countries, all of whom contribute to the ensemble’s rich cultural background. The Ensemble Modern is famous for its special working and organisational structure, unlike any other in the world: there is no artistic director; all its members are responsible for jointly selecting and implementing projects, co-productions and financial matters.