Klavierklang is a sonic-musical journey into the complexities of piano playing. During the past few years Rachel and I often reflected on the challenging and traumatic, but also inspiring experiences we have had with piano teachers, the roles our mothers’ ears played in our musical development and how much the piano has been both a sanctuary for sonic explorations and soundmaking, and a site of trauma and discouragement. Ultimately, Klavierklang is a journey towards the piano playing we have always loved, into the magic of its sound.

Klavierklang was commissioned by Rachel Iwaasa and was created with the financial assistance of the Canada Council and the BC Arts Council. Many thanks go to David Bloom, who directed Rachel in the dramaturgical aspects of her live performance.

Every performance since the composition’s premiere at the 2017 ISCM World New Music Days inspired such powerful and heartfelt audience response that Hildi and Rachel decided a sound recording had to be made. This release is the result. Then came the realization that the highly performative quality of Klavierklang also needs to be seen, not just heard. Enter Governor General’s Award-winning director Nettie Wild. Nettie inspired Hildi and Rachel to dream beyond a music video, and lift Klavierklang off the stage and into the realm of experimental film.

The film Klavierklang was first screened in Vancouver on November 7, 2025 at the opening event of the MODULUS FESTIVAL presented by Music on Main.

Watch this space for links to the digital release.