Soft, flickering, almost at the threshold of hearing, delicately dotted and separated by long pauses, short sonic events open this work, into which a peculiar, descending solo double bass line gradually creeps.
But this is only the beginning of a journey. Sudden, spiky melodic outbursts, stubborn soloistic interjections, and thorny microtonal passages that build up to eruptive, suction-like tutti sound effects are introduced. But also, bruitistic and hazy musical landscapes, which deliberately play with the element of surprise, are presented. Diverse, spiky soundscapes emerge, yet they follow a secret overarching dramaturgy.
This five-part rhapsodic work is my exploration of the wonderful instrumentation of the string orchestra. I have now significantly expanded, developed and revised the preliminary study “September Music”, which was incorporated into this work and premiered by the MKO and Bas Wiegers at Klangspuren in September 2024.

“Stachel” (Thorn), my second commissioned work after “Terra Pinguis (for Arthur)” for the incomparable Munich Chamber Orchestra, is also my first piece for a pure string orchestra. This work is dedicated with deep affection to this wonderful ensemble.

(Johannes Maria Staud, Wien, 11/27/2024)