Between rehearsals and concerts, and just before the holidays, a new video came together – about a composer whose music has been close to me for many years.

One of Japan’s most significant musical voices.

A master of aesthetic clarity and emotional depth.

And above all: a musician you recognize after just a few notes.

Some may know him for his film scores (The Revenant, The Last Emperor),

others for his quiet, distinctive piano pieces – or as an actor next to David Bowie.

In my new YouTube video, I explore what makes his music feel so unmistakable –

and at the same time, so open.

In the length of a coffee, at the piano, in my studio.

*Clemens

I’m very happy  to embark on a new and exciting project.

For years now, it has been a true joy for me to compose music and perform concerts.

But almost just as special are those moments spent with friends, sitting together over a coffee or a glass of wine, lost in conversation.

I’m sure you know these kinds of questions:

What music are you listening to right now? What book is on your nightstand? What’s been inspiring you lately? Or: Have you heard this incredible story…?

I really treasure those moments. More often than not, you leave feeling inspired—or at the very least, in good spirits.

And that’s exactly what I’d like to carry forward—onto my YouTube channel.

There, I’ll be sharing regular videos about music and the artists who inspire me.

I’m beginning with the story of an extraordinary woman from my hometown of Leipzig—a composer and pianist who, against the odds of her time, balanced a life of eight children, personal losses, and the barriers of a male-dominated music world, and still became a global icon of Romantic music.

Clara Schumann.

A truly remarkable woman, with a story like no other.

I’m truly grateful to everyone who joins me on this journey.

Warm greetings from Leipzig—

*Clemens

The year 2025 starts on a high note as I finish the score for A Few Days in the Sun with my longtime collaborator, Reentko Dirks. Directed by Mauro Müller and co-produced by 42film, the movie will premiere later this year.

https://www.fideliofilms.com/sun

Hello everyone, as autumn slowly sets in, I’ll be packing my things and playing some concerts.

I’m really looking forward to festivals and concerts in Croatia, the Czech Republic, and of course Germany.

25.9.24 Bad Säckingen | Akkorde-Festival *
3/4/5.9.24 Zollbrücke | Theater am Rand
18.10.24 Oldenburg | Haus des Hörens
25.10.24 Spiekerogg | Inselkirche
26.10.24 Lübeck | t.b.a.
20.11.24 Brno (CZ) 🇨🇿 | Multikulturní Centrum Brusinka
22.11.24 Cakovec (KRO) 🇭🇷 | JazzFair Festival
01.12.24 Zollbrücke | Theater am Rand **
04.12.24 Leipzig | Villa Rosenthal

Enjoy the autumn, and see you soon. 🍁

* mit Reentko Dirks und Erkin Cavus
** „Entdeckung der Langsamkeit mit Thomas Rühmann

Thank you to the german press for very kind words about the new album 'Collateral Flow’.

„Ein Hochgenuss“ / “A pure delight” - (MORGENPOST)

„Ein faszinierendes Duo-Album“ / “A fascinating duo album” (Sächsische Zeitung) 

„Album des Monats“ / “Album of the Month” (BR Klassik Sweetspot)

„Gute Musik brauch kein Etikett“ / “Good music needs no label” - (Kultkomplott)

„Die beiden erschaffen wuchtige Balladen, in die Folk und Flamenco, Afrikanisches und Keltisches einfliessen, die aber doch Jazz bleiben“ / “The two create powerful ballads that blend folk and flamenco, African and Celtic influences, but still remain jazz” (Kulturtipp)

„Ein wunderschönes Album, das man sich nicht entgehen lassen sollte!“ / “A beautiful album that should not be missed!” (Jazz-Fun.de)

-

'Collateral Flow' on LP/CD and Streaming

I am excited that 'Collateral Flow' will be included in its entirety in this week's episode of the radio show 'Schöne Töne,' hosted by composer Sven Helbig.

Today: 11 pm Radio Eins

Sat.: 8 pm Mdr Kultur

The new album 'Collateral Flow' is out - my collaboration with the wonderful composer and guitarist

Reentko Dirks.

Enjoy the music.

*Clemens

'Collateral Flow' on LP/CD and Streaming

Imagine you're walking along a riverbank in the morning - everything is quiet, there's a light mist over the landscape and not a soul to be seen. The nearest supermarket is 20 minutes away by car, and reception on the phone is almost non-existent.

Everything seems to stand still, only the river flows slowly and steadily.

The peace that takes hold of you in such a situation can be overwhelming. Then you go straight into the house to the piano and play the first notes.

The upcoming album ‘Collateral Flow’ was created in this environment, and ‘Riverine’ describes one such morning.

Enjoy the music,

*Clemens

- > ‘Riverine’ is available digitally on all music platforms.

I like the idea that compositions form a kind of projection surface - both for the listener and for the musicians. This piece has been with me for many years and has often been played in different formations. I have recorded it three times so far: Solo, with the amazing Rabih Lahoud on vocals and now with Reentko. If you decide not to chisel compositions in stone, i.e. not to notate every note exactly, it opens up the possibility of having a musical conversation while playing.

One note more or less here, a differently coloured chord - everyone can incorporate their own style, and in the end a mixture is created that cannot be planned in advance.

Enjoy the music,

*Clemens

▶ 'Reflexion' is available digitally on all music platforms.

Konzerttickets für die Konzerte am

3.2. in Marinha Grande (Teatro Stevens) sowie am

4.2. in Porto (Municipal Theater of Matosinhos) sind jetzt erhältlich.

—

Bilhetes para os concertos de dia

3.2. na Marinha Grande (Teatro Stevens) e no dia

4.2. no Porto (Teatro Municipal de Matosinhos) já estão disponíveis.

Ich freue mich auf die nächsten Konzerte an diesen Orten. (Tickets hier)

01.02.2024
Porto (PRT) 🇵🇹 , Santa Catarina (FNAC In-Store Show)

Solo

02.02.2024
Porto (PRT) 🇵🇹 , Vila Nova de Gaia (FNAC In-Store Show)

Solo

03.02.2024
Marinha Grande (PRT) 🇵🇹 , Theatre Stevens

Solo

04.02.2024
Porto (PRT) 🇵🇹 , Municipal Theater of Matosinhos

Solo

24.02.2024

Witzenhausen, Ringelnatz

Doppelkonzert mit Malte Vief

25.02.2024
Göttingen, UMG

Doppelkonzert mit Malte Vief

15.03.2024
Freital, Saxstall

Solo

19.04.2024
Trier, Tufa

Solo

25/26/27.04.2024
Zollbrücke, Theater am Rand

Storytellers (mit Thomas Rühmann und Reentko Dirks)

28.04.2024
Zollbrücke, Theater am Rand

“Die Entdeckung der Langsamkeit” mit Thomas Rühmann

Neuinszenierung nach Sten Nadolny mit Musik aus dem Album “Remember Tomorrow”

02.05.2024
Dresden, Jazzclub Tonne

feat. Reentko Dirks - Releasekonzert ‘Collateral Flow’

03.05.2024
Zollbrücke, Theater am Rand

feat. Reentko Dirks - Releasekonzert ‘Collateral Flow’

10.05.2024
Neustrelitz, Alte Kachelofenfabrik

feat. Reentko Dirks - Releasekonzert ‘Collateral Flow’

02.06.2024
Zollbrücke, Theater am Rand

“Die Entdeckung der Langsamkeit” mit Thomas Rühmann

Neuinszenierung nach Sten Nadolny mit Musik aus dem Album “Remember Tomorrow”

Als ich zum ersten Mal das Buch „Die Entdeckung der Langsamkeit“ von Sten Nadolny gelesen habe, war ich ergriffen – von der Gedankenwelt des Hauptprotagonisten und der bedingungslosen Ruhe und Gründlichkeit, mit der er sein Leben gestaltet. Von der Beschreibung von Geduld und Langsamkeit, auch der eindrücklichen Schilderung einer Kriegsszene, für die Autor Sten Nadolny den Ingeborg-Bachmann-Preis erhalten hat. Seitdem mich Thomas Rühmann gefragt hat, ob ich speziell für eine Bühnenadaption des Buches die Musik meines Albums „Remember Tomorrow“ beisteuern möchte, ist „Die Entdeckung der Langsamkeit“ ein stetiger Begleiter für mich. Am Sonntag, dem 17. Dezember (11 Uhr), bringen wir gemeinsam dieses Stück wieder auf die Bühne des Theaters am Rand – am Sonntagnachmittag spiele ich dann um 16 Uhr ein Solokonzert mit Musik aus den Alben „Chasing Heisenberg“ & den „Upright Reframings“.

*Clemens

-> Tickets

I love writing and composing music for solo piano - besides, an essential part for me is to exchange ideas with other musicians, to make music together, and to inspire each other.

One of these musicians is Reentko Dirks, a unique guitarist and good friend.

I love his warm and distinctive way of handling the guitar and admire his music, which has taken him to many stages worldwide (such as Carnegie Hall).

We've collaborated for years on film music projects - besides this work, we have always exchanged ideas, written new music specifically for guitar and piano, and brought some of our compositions into this sonic universe.

And at some point, the idea for this album emerged from this interplay, which took place on the side.

Unexpectedly beautiful things often happen on a journey. They can't be planned; they just happen, and you just have to capture them. That's why this joint album will be called 'Collateral Flow', and you can listen to the first single 'Tidewater' today. 

*Clemens

Listen to ‘Tidewater’

A brief moment to express my gratitude: It's been exactly one year since the release of my album 'Chasing Heisenberg,' which was soon followed by 'The Upright Reframings.'

In time for this first anniversary, the blog 'A Closer Listen' has published an article filled with kind words about my music.

My thanks go out to Garreth Broke for the appreciation. And to all of you who have listened—thank you.

When you're sitting alone in your studio, facing a blank sheet of paper, your focus is purely on the act of creation, not on how your ideas will be received. That my music has found a resonant place with you is something I cherish and never take for granted.

*Clemens

Everyone has a Bucket List, right?
There's one thing that has long been at the top of mine, and I've now fulfilled it.
After five albums that I recorded on grand concert pianos, I wanted to record music on a heirloom that has been in our family for decades.
An old practice piano that tuners of concert grand pianos would probably only smile at wearily.
A piano where the marks of time are immediately visible.
A piano on which tens of thousands of hours have been practiced.
On this piano, my grandfather once taught my then 5-year-old father. (Swipe for a photo from 1960).
This family heirloom has been my constant companion, the instrument I play on nearly every day - its warm sound is the perfect match for this recording.
'The Upright Reframings' are out now: 5 alternative versions of pieces from my album 'Chasing Heisenberg', played on this beloved instrument. I am very proud to share this recording with you.
Give it a listen; I believe this music can be a good companion - especially as it gets colder.
*Clemens

-> listen here

'Fallen' marked the beginning of the 'Upright Reframings' journey.

Playing the jazz waltz on the upright piano highlighted its dark tones, distinctly different from a grand piano. The piece transformed, unveiling a different kind of light through its intimate and quiet style.

Discover 'Fallen' now, available on all major streaming services.

*Clemens

Kudos to my dear friends, Erkin Cavus and Reentko Dirks, on the release of their new album, ‘Ütopya’. I’m delighted to join them again as a guest.

They shared the following thoughts:

“‘Ütopya’ is released today, along with our new single and video, ‘Galeri Avrasiya’. Erkin and I are very happy to have the wonderful Clemens Christian Poetzsch joining us once more on the piano.

The vision of this track is: Once famous for its traffic jams, the Avrasiya Tunnel is now the longest gallery in the world, displaying art by international artists and the citizens of Istanbul alike.”

-

Here you can watch their latest video, ‘Galeri Avrasiya’.

‘Persante’ has made it to the top 3 most played songs on @applemusic classical worldwide in its debut week!

A huge thank you to everyone who listened and to all involved in bringing ‘The Upright Reframings’ to life.

*Clemens

Listen to ‘Persante’

The new single ‘Persante’ is out today.

“This circular melody came to my mind after I played the first concerts with my album 'Chasing Heisenberg'. At that time, I was on the Polish Baltic Sea, gathering ideas and jotting down notes that had occurred to me during the tour. In this place, the River 'Persante' flows into the sea after its long journey through Poland. It ends there, but at the same time, it doesn't. A beautiful image for this melody, which seems to spin endlessly.”

🎧 -> Listen to ‘Persante’ here

Some weeks ago, I had the opportunity to reinterpret selected pieces from my album “Chasing Heisenberg” on a special instrument. I had previously recorded my last albums in large studios on big Steinway concert grand pianos. However, these compositions were often written at home on my vintage family piano, which my grandfather used to give piano lessons on in the 50s.

I always considered this little upright piano sufficient for practicing and working, but for making recordings? I thought it was perhaps too old, too weak, too unstable.

Time can prove you wrong. After many hours of work, we managed to restore this piano to a condition where making recordings became possible.

The result is a collection of quiet, intimate variations of my pieces from “Chasing Heisenberg”, embracing the unique sound of this piano. I am proud that this family heirloom is now available for everyone to hear, and today, I would like to share with you Part 1 of the “Upright Reframings”.

-> Listen to “Belvedere (Upright Reframings) <-