For chamber ensemble
Duration: each part lasts about 7 minutes

In October 1998 I had the opportunity to observe the lives of two cats: two young Russian Blue cats moved into the apartment on Franz Josefskai and changed our lives so thoroughly that the decision to write “Cat Music” for Mischa, Larissa, and their cat-mommy Donna had to be fulfilled as quickly as possible.

Two of the Cat Music series were written at the turn of the millennium; a third was written in 2024. Harmonically, they are permeated by combinations of closely-spaced four- and five-voice chords of a chromatic nature.

The movements of Cat Music I are inspired by the young cats’ first days in their new environment.

For chamber ensemble: flute (piccolo), B-flat clarinet, saxophone (tenor, alto), trumpet, trombone, tuba, cello, accordion, piano
Composed: fall 1999 (5.12.1999)
World premiere: February 13, 2000, Ensemble Wiener Collage conducted by René Staar in the Kölner Philharmonie (in the cycle “Chamber Ensembles of the Wiener Philharmoniker”)
Austrian premiere: February 24, 2000 in the studio of the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation
Duration: 8'15''

1)    DOOR TO A NEW WORLD
2)    CAT NAP
3)    SUDDEN ATTACK
4)    CAT TAG
5)    PLAYFUL PAIR
6)    MOUSE HUNT

 The work’s compositional structure also becomes clearly visible here, as it achieves a balance between rhythmic interweaving and reversal of focal points and between harmonic density and contrapuntal development.

Cat Music II soon followed: it is a more adventurous work characterized by more sharply contrasting parts, more intense harmonies, and more difficult passages.

For chamber ensemble: flute (also piccolo), B-flat clarinet, saxophone (soprano, alto, tenor), trumpet, trombone, tuba, cello, accordion, and piano
Composed: 1990/2000 (11.1.2000)
World premiere of Cat Music II: February 24, 2000, in the ORF studio by the Ensemble Wiener Collage conducted by René Staar
Duration: 8‘30“

1)    MORNING ROLL ON A CHINESE CARPET
2)    BIRD WATCH
3)    LEAP-FROG RACE
4)    HIDE AND SEEK
5)    DOUBLE TROUBLE
6)    FLY SPIES

The third series, Cat Music III, was written in 2024. It was intended as Christmas music for the Ensemble Wiener Collage's biennial Christmas concert. The work is a nostalgic recollection of experiences with the two cats as well as sharing wonderful Christmas celebrations with them.

For chamber ensemble: B-flat clarinet, trombone, cello, accordion, and piano
Composed in 2024 (10.9.2024)
Duration: 6'53”

1)    TWO CURIOUS CATS AND A CHRISTMAS TREE
2)    WHO WINS THE RACE FOR THE BEST SNACKS
3)    CATS AND COMPANY.  TEMPO DI PAVANE
4)    CHRISTMAS CAROLS FOR GREEN-EYED “RUSSIAN BLUES” AND HUMAN ADMIRERS

Four Christmas carols are integrated into the last movement, in both human and cat versions, so to speak: God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen - Joy to the World - The First Nowell - We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

The world premiere of Cat Music III will take place on December 18, 2024 at the Arnold Schönberg Center in Vienna.

A piano version of all three series under the title “CAT TERRITORY” was composed parallel to the ensemble pieces as op. 38a.