Andras Schiff is one of the most important pianists of our time. This stimulating account of his life and work, told in two parts, takes readers on an intimate journey from Schiff's childhood in Hungary through to the present day. In conversationw with Martin Meyer, Schiff discusses a diverse range of topics from his experiences with anti-Semitism and communist rule to his musical training with maestros such as Pal Kadosa and Ferenc Rados, as well as his thoughts on playing techniques and musical interpretation. In a collection of Schiff's writings we are enthralled by a guided tour of Bach's 'Goldberg' Variations, sobered by Schiff's public defiance against nationalistic and racist attitudes - to the extent that he refused to perform in Haider's Austria or Orban's Hungary - and delighted by the playful 'Ten Commandments' for concertgoers. More than a memoir, this is a seminal compilation of the thoughts and experiences of one of the greatest musicians of our time, of his inimitable art of making music out of silence.

The fact that artist agencies in New York are familiar with Neumarkt in Bavaria is thanks to the chamber music hall located there. Its exceptional acoustics were what prompted the local businessman Ernst-Herbert Pfleiderer to establish the Neumarkter Konzertfreunde. For over 40 years, this association has been organising a series of concerts that are popular with both musicians and audiences. In order to trace the personal connections between artists and friends of concerts, the OSTKREUZ photographer Frank Schinski was commissioned to capture moments of closeness: in the artists' dressing rooms, on trips, and at musicians' homes. This resulted in this unique behind the scenes look at this very famous series of concerts: with pictures that offer all the protagonists of a very special stage. Text in German.