The author Thilo Plaesser
Multi-instrumentalist, improviser, author, lecturer, producer.
A musical journey of curiosity and spirituality
My musical journey has been shaped by dedication, curiosity, and improvisation, which is reflected in an ever-changing and diverse soundscape. My wide-ranging interests extend from Asian, Oriental, and Celtic music to greats such as Mahalia Jackson, Johnny Cash, Richard Strauss, and classical contemporary music. This musical openness is also evident in my multifaceted choice of instruments. After classical training on the organ and piano, I discovered the bayan, button accordion, bandoneon, pressure wind harmonium, double bass, fretless bass, and guqin.
For me, music is deeply spiritual, especially when it creates new, individual, and vibrant forms that can transport the listener to other worlds. This spiritual dimension, strongly influenced by Taoism and my many years of practicing meditation and qi gong, is also reflected in my music.
My current activities and projects
Since 2003, I have been working as a freelance instrumentalist, author, and lecturer in the field of improvisation. This role encompasses a wide range of activities:
Concerts and workshops are part of my work, allowing me to share my musical expertise and improvisational skills.
The creation and production of my own music and videos primarily serves as a documentation of my musical journey. Regular publication of articles and workshops in trade journals is also part of my responsibilities.
In addition to these core musical activities, I am intensively involved in two specific research projects:
- Research on the life and work of Mahalia Jackson.
- Research on the Viennese harmonium maker Teofil Kotykiewicz.
From 2008 to 2012, I also founded and ran a "piano school for adults" in Vienna, which underscores my dedication to musical education. My book "it came out of the blue," a guide to piano improvisation, is further evidence of my work as a teacher.
My deep musical knowledge and passion for teaching make me a versatile and inspiring artist and educator.
www.thiloplaesser.de
www.harmoniumfabrik-wien.com
How Mahalia Jackson shaped my life
A queen who shaped lives: Mahalia Jackson's echo within me
Sometimes, the music that changes us forever comes into our lives very early on—even if we don't realize it until much later. For me, the initiator of the online compendium mahalia-jackson.com, my special connection to the "Queen of Gospel" began at the age of five.
It was 1972 when news of Mahalia Jackson's death reached the world. I was sitting, spellbound, in front of the television, fascinated by the concert recordings that were being broadcast. The broadcast of the legendary Berlin concert in 1969, where Mahalia was the star guest for the introduction of color television in Germany, must have been particularly memorable. My mother showed it to me, and I was so fascinated that nothing else mattered. A first, unconscious spark had been ignited.
Years later, after intensively exploring a wide variety of musical styles—from modern to classical to contemporary, much like Bill Russell, Mahalia's former unofficial assistant, who also had a classical music education—I rediscovered Mahalia Jackson's music. It happened during a period when I was returning to traditional, minimalist sounds:
"It had been a long time since music had moved me so deeply. I heard her voice, her singing, and was deeply touched. Finally, something spoke to my heart and soul again."
This profound impact continues to this day. I have compiled an extensive collection of their works in all formats: vinyl, cassettes, CDs, DVDs. In addition, I have books, concert programs, original press photos, and magazines. My research deliberately focuses on topics that have received little or no attention to date.
My connection to Mahalia Jackson is more than just a musical passion—it is a deep, enduring inspiration that has significantly shaped my life as a musician, author, and researcher.
Thilo Plaesser
My collection
A world full of rarities – my private collection
Imagine being able to step into a treasure trove that not only houses physical rarities, but also opens up a boundless digital dimension, all dedicated to one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. That is exactly what my private collection is: assembled over a long period of time with passion and meticulous care, it is entirely dedicated to Mahalia Jackson. Here, history and personal passion merge into a fascinating whole.
Analog and digital
At the heart of this collection is an impressive physical collection that will delight music lovers and admirers of Mahalia Jackson. Hundreds of records—including rare LPs, singles, and historic shellac records—tell the melodious story of her groundbreaking career. This is complemented by a nostalgic selection of music cassettes from the 1980s and a sheer countless number of CDs and DVDs covering her entire musical and cinematic oeuvre.
A tribute in words and pictures
Here you will find all the books that have been written about her life and work or are thematically related, offering deep insights into her spirituality and influence. But that's not all: the collection contains hundreds of photos, including many original press photos, which provide intimate glimpses into her concerts, her commitment to civil rights, and her private life. This is complemented by press kits and press releases, concert programs, magazines, journals, postcards, stamps, and sheet music, which paint a comprehensive and detailed picture of this extraordinary artist. Each exhibit tells a part of her story and her tireless fight for equality and faith.
The digital archive
What makes this collection truly unique is its seamless extension into the digital realm. In addition to the fully digitized physical collection, the digital archive contains a seemingly endless wealth of additional treasures tailored specifically to Mahalia Jackson. Countless photos, newspaper articles from different eras, and a wide range of audio and video recordings, including rare interviews and live performances, are waiting to be discovered. This digital dimension not only provides convenient access, but also opens up new perspectives for research and deeper insights into the life and legacy of Mahalia Jackson.
A source of joy and inspiration
For me, this extensive collection is much more than just a collection of objects. It serves as a valuable source for research, allowing us to delve deep into Mahalia Jackson's biography, her musical development, and her influence on the civil rights movement, and to gain new insights. At the same time, it is a constant source of joy to listen to and look at, a place to relax and immerse oneself in a world full of stories and memories that keep Mahalia Jackson's timeless voice and message alive.
This collection is a living example of how passion, meticulousness, and the linking of physical and digital worlds can create a treasure trove that is invaluable to both researchers and enthusiasts of Mahalia Jackson's work.
The most important exhibits are located in one of my music rooms:
© Thilo Plaesser