Der Mann im Fahrstuhl

"Der Mann im Fahrstuhl," released on November 7, 1988, is a captivating avant-garde album by Heiner Goebbels, a former Spontimusiker who collaborated with the renowned German dramatist Heiner Müller. This unique release, under the prestigious ECM Records label, blends experimental jazz and electronic elements, creating a surreal and thought-provoking journey through the mind of an ordinary office worker.

The album is a sonic adaptation of Müller's surrealistic narrative, which follows an employee's mental journey as he navigates his way to his boss's office, ultimately ending up in Peru. Goebbels' masterful composition and arrangement, along with a stellar ensemble, bring Müller's text to life in a way that is both haunting and intriguing. The 21-track album, spanning 42 minutes, is a testament to the power of experimental music in storytelling.

Recorded in March 1988 at Sound on Sound Recording Inc. in New York, "Der Mann im Fahrstuhl" features a rich tapestry of sounds, from eerie atmospheric pieces to rhythmic, jazz-infused tracks. The album's themes of alienation, bureaucracy, and the human psyche are explored through a mix of spoken word, ambient sounds, and intricate musical compositions. Highlights include the haunting "Allein im Fahrstuhl" (Alone In The Elevator), the rhythmic "Drei Stufen auf einmal" (Three Steps At A Time), and the evocative "Trockener Schlamm mit Fahrspuren" (Caked Mud With Vehicle Tracks).

This album is a fascinating exploration of the human condition, presented through a unique blend of music and drama. It's a compelling listen for fans of experimental jazz, electronic music, and those interested in the intersection of music and literature. The collaboration between Goebbels and Müller results in a work that is as intellectually stimulating as it is sonically engaging.