Stephan Ortlepp, better known as Orti,
is a German musician and film enthusiast,
born in Thuringia and currently living in Leipzig.
I got introduced to his music in 2010, his earlier works.
As of late, he is working on his Thuringia Trilogy,
which I see as a novel musical composition
based on his life in his homeland, his worries, fears, infatuations and disappointments.
Two parts of this trilogy is now complete, with a third coming up soon.
His love for good movies frequently shows itself in his music,
with brief cuts of dialogue from classic films interjected with the melody.
Part One, called “No Man’s Land”, is an anthem to his motherland, Thuringia –
we’re beginning to get introduced to his side of the story of this place,
from the point of view of a native. Called a “hidden masterpiece,”
it has a lot to offer for the listener, with a very slow, rolling beginning
and melodic interludes.
In Part Two, “Behind Closed Doors”, I hear a lot of darkness, despair,
a piece filled with hesitation and gloom.
It is different from the beginning part in its use of a much muted ending.
First part is my favourite, but I’ll let you determine that for yourself.
-by Maria Neschetna
