Tastenarbeiter – Alexander von Schlippenbach (2023)

He is one of the founding fathers of European free jazz: For decades, Alexander von Schlippenbach has gone his own way, playing piano, composing, and leading bands. This paints a very personal portrait, showing biographical breaks, but also new beginnings. He reconstructs Schlippenbach's path into the musical collective of the now legendary "Free Music Production" (FMP), for whom free jazz meant emancipation – not only from the musical but also from the political establishment. Free jazz, the film makes clear, was considered by many to be a musical realization of the 1968 movement. A resounding model of democracy in which all voices stand side by side on an equal footing – a principle that pushed Schlippenbach to the extreme with his Globe Unity Orchestra, even though he always saw himself as a musician and by no means as a political activist. In the film, the pianist meets old companions such as the trumpeter Manfred Schoof. In Dresden, Schlippenbach jams with percussionist Günter "Baby" Sommer and talks to him about their joint concerts in the GDR, where free jazz musicians were celebrated like pop stars. The camera also accompanies him home, where he lives an extraordinary life and work partnership with his wife, jazz pianist Aki Takase. An insight that shows once again that free jazz is above all one thing: an unconditional expression of radicalism, individuality and freedom. From this spirit, music remains for Schlippenbach's attitude and statement – to this day.

Premiere

29 Oct 2026 (in 8 days)

Director

Tilmann Urbach

Countries

Germany

Languages

German

Available Versions

OmeU

Open-Air Showtimes

No