About
Fessler & Mädler
Where do two musicians meet? In a pub of course! In this instance, renowned jazz musician and ECHO-Prizewinner Peter Fessler (known through his hit „New York-Rio-Tokio") and opera singer, Ulf Dirk Mädler ran into each other at a quaint family-run Greek restaurant in Droysenstraße Berlin-Charlottenburg where both have been regular guests for some time.
Among several topics that were discussed, they talked about their professions which sparked an idea in Peter Fessler’s mind: „Let's sing something together!” But what could an opera singer and a jazz musician sing together? They soon found a link through traditional German folksongs „Heidenrößlein” and „Guten Abend, gute Nacht”:
Although the topic folksong appeared out dated, it was soon obvious that the connection between classical chant and jazz music would create something completely new.
Fessler & Mädler with Babis Theodoridis
In nurturing a taste for this fusion, the two frequently met and eventually developed a meaningful friendship both musically and private.
Regular rehearsals of Fessler & Mädler inspired a title for the project. „BelcantoStringing” was born.
Not only have they experimented with German folk songs, like „Ich hab die Nacht geträumet“ or „Die Gedanken sind frei“, but ventured out and explored other venues such as the Italian classics „O sole mio” and „Caruso” by Lucio Dalla.
Later they adapted pieces from classical composers, like Schubert's „Leise flehen meine Lieder, „Lascia chio pianga” by G.F. Händel or the „Pavane” by G. Fauré with a text written by Peter Fessler.
They also created a Christmas program in this constellation.But why should one be satisfied with changing only classical repertoire in this way? Even well-known pop and jazz standards are wonderful to alter and play together.The repertoire of Fessler & Mädler includes well known pop classics such as „Yesterday“ and „Fool on the Hill“ from the Beatles, „Bridge over Troubled Water“ by Simon & Garfunkel, „I Still Haven't Found What I’m Looking For“ by U2 and jazz standards like „All the Things You Are“ by J. Kern and „Autumn Leaves“ by J. Kosma.BelcantoStringing – two unique and exceptional voices from the world of classical and jazz music in a completely new polyphonic fusion with classical guitar.