BartolomeyBittmann: Sonic Explosions

Have you ever heard a cello and mandolin duet? This extremely rare and unique sound combination comes to life in the music of BartolomeyBittmann duo, where passion meets energy, and classical music, rock and jazz are transformed into an incredible fabric of sounds. It is a musical journey where every note exudes spontaneity, courage and creative freedom. Breathe in this unique music, let the rhythms take over you and become part of this unforgettable sound experience! 

The Austrian duo BartolomeyBittmann (cellist Matthias Bartolomey and violinist and mandolinist Klemens Bittmann) combines classical, jazz, folk and rock music in their programmes. Their performances and improvised compositions are often an explosion of emotions and passionate, free music-making that leaves the audience spellbound. Nikolaus Harnoncourt, an admirer of the duo and renowned conductor, has commented on BartolomeyBittmann’s music: ‘Wonderfully composed and stunningly performed!’The artists were brought together by their love for their instruments and their passion for exploring new sounds with them. BartolomeyBittmann takes the classical cello, violin and mandola on a new musical journey, combining the spontaneity and improvisation of jazz with the rhythmic pulsation of the ‘grit’, the electrifying virtuosity of the playing and the intimacy of lyrical ballads.

In 2022, BartolomeyBittmann won the German, Austrian and Swiss Critics’ Prize (Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik) for their fourth album Zehn, which was released by the prestigious Naxos label. The album has been described as follows: ‘If you did not see who is playing on the stage, you would think you are listening to the Mahavishnu Orchestra, or at least half a dozen multi-instrumentalists!’