German experimental composer and pianist Volker Bertelmann, who performs under the name Hauschka, studied classical piano for ten years, but became bored with the perfect tones associated with the instrument. He soon became engrossed in John Cage's work with prepared piano compositions--when objects are added to the inside of a piano to modify its sound--and began creating more experimental pieces. Using everything from tin foil to ping pong balls to alter the piano's tone, Hauschka is able to engineer tones that seem to stem from multiple instruments, resulting in whimsical, eerie compositions. The composer has also been known to collaborate with San Francisco's Magik*Magik Orchestra, and resultingly began writing experimental pieces for stringed and wind instruments to accompany his prepared piano.
