La Melodia della Strada – Omaggio a Federico Fellini
On 18th July 2023, Christian Muthspiel and the OrJAZZstra presented a performance titled La Melodia della Strada – Omaggio a Federico Fellini at Porgy & Bess in Vienna. The concert was a tribute to famed film director Federico Fellini, highlighting the group’s versatility and Muthspiel’s unique approach to composition.
The OrJAZZstra
Since the dissolution of the Vienna Art Orchestra, the city has been seeking another ensemble of comparable caliber. Trombonist Christian Muthspiel, who spent ten years in the VAO, may be the perfect candidate to fill this void with his OrJAZZstra. The group features a blend of young musicians and established talent, such as trumpeter Lorenz Raab.
Over the years, the OrJAZZstra has evolved into a showcase for Muthspiel’s prowess as an arranger and composer, skillfully integrating jazz improvisation into his compositions. It has become an extension of his creative personality, superseding his previous projects as a trombonist and composer.
The Inspiration
Recent OrJAZZstra projects have often stemmed from external influences and site-specific concepts. The current project, La Melodia della Strada, was inspired by the 2022 La Strada festival in Graz, which led Muthspiel to explore Federico Fellini’s films. Rather than taking cues from Fellini’s regular composer Nino Rota, Muthspiel drew inspiration from the films themselves and specific scenes.
During the creative process, Muthspiel would begin each day by watching 30 minutes of Fellini films. One particularly memorable segment of the performance was based on the film Ginger and Fred, a retelling of the iconic partnership between Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.
The Performance
In the OrJAZZstra’s performances, a strong compositional vision prevails. While each musician has the opportunity to solo, intricate backing arrangements from the rest of the ensemble often accompany them. This approach showcases Muthspiel’s distinctive balance between arranging, composition, and improvisation.
A new CD featuring the OrJAZZstra is now available, providing listeners with a taste of this exciting ensemble’s unique sound and approach.
Band Line-up
- Gerald Preinfalk, Patrick Dunst, Yvonne Moriel, Robert Unterköfler, Ilse Riedler, Florian Bauer: saxophones, clarinets
- Gerhard Ornig, Lorenz Raab, Dominik Fuss: trumpet, fluegelhorn
- Alois Eberl, Daniel Holzleitner, Christina Lachberger: trombone
- Viola Hammer: piano
- Judith Ferstl, Marc Mezgolits: bass
- Judith Schwarz, Marton Juhasz: drums
- Christian Muthspiel: compositions, leader
