MulesRasch

b. July 16, 1961, Berlin, Germany

German composer and guitarist. Born a hearing child to deaf parents, his first language was sign language.

Helmut Oehring is of the most striking young composers to emerge from East Berlin. Experiences as a child of deaf-mute parents led to highly original perspective on the nature of sound and communication. Early influences of rock and jazz, then at age of 23 embraced Western composed music, while continuing to play and compose for electric guitar. Inspired by cinema and other visual media, including cutting techniques in Fassbinder's films. A number of works integrate simultaneous sign-language performance by deaf-mute artists. Music programmed at leading festivals including Munich Biennale, Wien Modern, Spoleto, Donaueschingen, Witten, Almeida Opera and Biennale Venice.

Links: 

Composer's web site  (mostly in German)

Boosey & Hawkes composers page  (in English)

youtube video of excerpts of various pieces by Oehring including an excerpt of Philipp

youtube video of excerpts of various pieces by Oehring including an excerpt of sur POING

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