Nik Bartsch Duo

A first time at the Vasarely Foundation. It takes the form of a meeting with one of the most creative musicians in contemporary jazz. And when we talk about Jazz, it is even very narrow as the musical space opened up by the Swiss pianist is vast. Nik Bärtsch is a pianist, philosopher, martial arts teacher and composer. He performs music which he called "zen funk". Recently, he has moved on to more classic compositions, but his personality leads him towards increasingly contemporary forms. On Mondays, when he is free, his group - with all those who are available - meet in their Jazzclub, Exile in Zurich to play together: a kind of Lab where they explore music, sound and energy.

“A piece of music can be grasped, lived in like a room”, explains Bärtsch. “It moves forward and is transformed by obsessive circular movements. The attention of listeners is directed to minimal variation and phrasing. The group becomes an integral organism - like an animal, a habitat, an urban space. You have to think with your ears and your hands. "

In the midst of the works of the great Hungarian artist, founder of kinetic art, you can discuss with Nik Bärtsch, his music, his art, movement, the adventure at ECM, the situation of artists during the pandemic, meditation. and above all listen to the artist play with his accomplice Sha. If it is true that the environment influences musical creation, then the meeting of the Vasarely Foundation will be a truly unforgettable first.