Rainer Rohloff has worked with Mikes Theodorakis on stage and in the recording studio for ten years. Fascinated by the great artist and the beauty and energy of his unique music, Rainer Rohloff felt inspired to launch his own solo project.

His main concept was to find ways and possibilities to adapt some of Theodorakis’ ”themes of the century” for the guitar. The real challenge was to overcome the limits of the instrument and to fill the songs with a corresponding content and message. Emerged have adaptations, which influenced by a fusion of traditional classical and Spanish with modern stylistic elements, generate a musical expression of their own.

Theodorakis himself described the result as a new form of guitar music.

The repertoire includes pieces from well-known cycles such as Mauthausen or Arkadia as well as adaptations from Canto General. Some transitions, preludes and improvisations enrich the repertoire and strengthen the dramatization of the programme.

Pressclips:

“…Rohloff is a very good acoustic guitarist and when you mix the accordion and the acoustic piano (…) the results are impressive…” Cadence, New York (Review of Jazz and Blues)

“Rohloff’s cascading guitar solos can be counted among the best moments of the night (…)” Neue Zürcher Zeitung

“Again and again Rohloff stretched the boundaries of his instrument interpreting the CANTO GENERAL. Excerpts of a piece that develops its immense power through the orchestra are performed on a single instrument – Rohloff turned it into an intense experience. No one could withdraw themselves from its magic (…)” Märkische Allgemeine

“(…) Rohloff, who accompanied the Greek composer for ten years, has ventured to tackle a seemingly impossible project: playing orchestra pieces with only one instrument. He succeeded. As for music – the masterly compositions remain immaculate. As for contents – the message still comes across. Virtuous, the compliment for excellent musicians, is overused listening to Rohloff ‘s playing– because he really deserves it.” Südthüringer Zeitung

“(…) rushing and lingering Rohloff creates a sound scape which does not leave out a single aspect. Vivacious, open, and playful he makes offers no ear is able to refuse. Tells stories with his instrument. Melancholic without being sentimental – clear without being noisy. Where music can be home and home can be global, guitar-player Rainer Rohloff opens the door. (…)” Leipziger Volkszeitung

“(…) Rohloff recognises the emotions deeply rooted in the pieces. He follows the motifs in the original and reinvents them for his instrument. He is capable of using sound and effects of the classical guitar in the sense of Theodorakis’ distinctive music. Thus develops the interpreter’s serious attitude towards the composer’s work. (…) Which instrumental music, especially a translation of a symphonic piece for a solo instrument, has proven capable of preserving and reinventing the political and philosophical dimensions of the original? (…)” Tobias Morgenstern, Theater am Rand

“(…) Like a butterfly flapping its wings is the playing of Rainer Rohloff. Delicate yet powerful are the sounds he elicts from his guitar. The German guitar player tells stories with his instrument. Stories of moments of enormous happiness and of never ending sorrow. (…) Rohloff’s interpretation of the “Canto General” is breathtaking.” Mittelland Zeitung, Zofingen (Switzerland)

“(…) Music which made history and music which in its new arrangements could make musical history. (…)” Freie Presse

“(…) Rohloff brilliantly succeeds in translating what is specific about this music, this “song between symphony and folk music” to the guitar-accompanied recital. Here he can rely on his solid playing technique. Thus he is able to transform Theodorakis’ world of sound and pass it on to the public (…) His virtuous highlights give shape to the originals, they clarify them and never become an end in themselves. Without a doubt it is this honesty towards the work which makes Rainer Rohloff’s playing so pleasant. (…)” Thüringer Allgemeine