The Secret Cosmic Music Of The East German Olympic Program 1972-83
May 2, 2016 8:29 AM Subscribe
The Secret Cosmic Music Of The East German Olympic Program 1972-83
[info from Youtube link]
For the first time since it was recorded in East Berlin over 30 years ago the music of Martin Zeichnete can finally be heard.
A disciple of the Kosmische Muzik of the likes of Kraftwerk, Can and Neu! he heard drifting across the Wall from the West, Martin's idea of using the motorik, hypnotic beat of krautrock in the training of athletes was taken and exploited by the DDR's state run Olympic Committee. Unable to obtain a licence to play his own music Martin embarked on what he called a decade long 'invisible career' with East Germany's athletic elite his only audience. Mixing electronics with live instruments Martin produced an incredible range of work including music for warmups, running, 'ambient' music to be played in gyms and pieces for artistic gymnastics. The committee called this program State Plan 14.84L, Martin and his fellow musicians called it 'Projekt Kosmischer Läufer' (Cosmic Runner).
Beginning with Volume 1, a program for a 5 kilometre run, Unknown Capability Recordings will bring Martin Zeichnete's vision to the world at last.
For further information please read this interview with Martin.
Volumes 1, 2, and 3 on Amazon.
This request for the hits goes out to Metafilter's own feckless fecal fear mongering.
[info from Youtube link]
For the first time since it was recorded in East Berlin over 30 years ago the music of Martin Zeichnete can finally be heard.
A disciple of the Kosmische Muzik of the likes of Kraftwerk, Can and Neu! he heard drifting across the Wall from the West, Martin's idea of using the motorik, hypnotic beat of krautrock in the training of athletes was taken and exploited by the DDR's state run Olympic Committee. Unable to obtain a licence to play his own music Martin embarked on what he called a decade long 'invisible career' with East Germany's athletic elite his only audience. Mixing electronics with live instruments Martin produced an incredible range of work including music for warmups, running, 'ambient' music to be played in gyms and pieces for artistic gymnastics. The committee called this program State Plan 14.84L, Martin and his fellow musicians called it 'Projekt Kosmischer Läufer' (Cosmic Runner).
Beginning with Volume 1, a program for a 5 kilometre run, Unknown Capability Recordings will bring Martin Zeichnete's vision to the world at last.
For further information please read this interview with Martin.
Volumes 1, 2, and 3 on Amazon.
This request for the hits goes out to Metafilter's own feckless fecal fear mongering.
Wow this music is phenomenal. The Kosmischer Läufer Bandcamp site is nice as is the project homepage. Here's a 32 track playlist on Youtube should you want some listening of dubious licensing.
Like parki, my immediate thought is the origin story could be a hoax. This Spin article from 2013 discusses the possibility. I'm reminded of Charanjit Singh and the assumption Ten Ragas to a Disco Beat was an Aphex Twin project, although I think the consensus now is that music really was authentic long-lost Mumbai electronica.
posted by Nelson at 8:54 AM on May 2, 2016
Like parki, my immediate thought is the origin story could be a hoax. This Spin article from 2013 discusses the possibility. I'm reminded of Charanjit Singh and the assumption Ten Ragas to a Disco Beat was an Aphex Twin project, although I think the consensus now is that music really was authentic long-lost Mumbai electronica.
posted by Nelson at 8:54 AM on May 2, 2016
Thematically similar is Games Of The XXI Olympiad by Black Cab.
posted by lmfsilva at 9:11 AM on May 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by lmfsilva at 9:11 AM on May 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Yeah the music is fine but the fictional backstory has long since been dismantled. Why is this being reposted without framing?
posted by anazgnos at 9:33 AM on May 2, 2016
posted by anazgnos at 9:33 AM on May 2, 2016
I ran into this hoax when it last came up on MetaFilter, and I've enjoyed Volume One as music to code to. I'm glad to now know that there are two more albums now that I should check out.
posted by JiBB at 12:42 PM on May 2, 2016
posted by JiBB at 12:42 PM on May 2, 2016
Why is this being reposted without framing?
Because it doesn't use any of the same keywords or names in English and search engines can't read minds?
posted by Evilspork at 1:46 PM on May 2, 2016
Because it doesn't use any of the same keywords or names in English and search engines can't read minds?
posted by Evilspork at 1:46 PM on May 2, 2016
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My fave track: Tonband Laufspur which IS SO GOOD for running - when you get to the hill, put this on. Loud!!
posted by parki at 8:47 AM on May 2, 2016