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Zeitkratzer is a contemporary classical music ensemble that was founded in 1999 by Reinhold Friedl. The group is based in Berlin, Germany and is known for its unique approach to classical music, which involves the use of unconventional instruments and techniques. Reinhold Friedl, the founder of Zeitkratzer, was born in Munich, Germany in 1964. He studied piano and composition at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich and later at the Universität der Künste in Berlin. Friedl has been a prominent figure in the contemporary classical music scene for many years and has collaborated with a number of other musicians and artists. The idea for Zeitkratzer came about in the late 1990s, when Friedl was working on a project that involved the use of amplified string instruments. He realized that there was a need for an ensemble that could perform this type of music, and so he founded Zeitkratzer. The group's first performance took place in 1999 at the Podewil cultural center in Berlin. The ensemble consisted of seven musicians, including Friedl on piano, and they performed a program of works by composers such as John Cage and Alvin Lucier. Over the years, Zeitkratzer has grown in size and scope. The ensemble now consists of 14 musicians, including a string quartet, a wind section, and a percussionist. The group has also expanded its repertoire to include works by a wide range of composers, from classical masters like Beethoven and Bach to contemporary experimentalists like Lou Reed and Merzbow. One of the highlights of Zeitkratzer's career was their performance of Lou Reed's album "Metal Machine Music" in 2002. The album, which was originally released in 1975, is known for its abrasive, noisy sound and was considered by many to be unplayable. However, Zeitkratzer was able to recreate the album's sound using a combination of traditional instruments and electronic effects, and their performance was widely praised. In addition to their performances, Zeitkratzer has also released a number of recordings over the years. Their first album, "Electronics," was released in 2000 and featured works by composers such as Karlheinz Stockhausen and Iannis Xenakis. Since then, the group has released over 20 albums, including collaborations with artists like Keiji Haino and William Bennett. Zeitkratzer has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2011, the group was awarded the German Record Critics' Award for their album "Whitehouse Electronics." They have also been nominated for the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik, a prestigious German music award, on multiple occasions. In addition to their work as an ensemble, members of Zeitkratzer are also involved in a variety of other projects. Reinhold Friedl, for example, has collaborated with artists like Christian Marclay and Lee Ranaldo, and has also released solo albums. Other members of the group have worked on film scores, sound installations, and other experimental music projects. Overall, Zeitkratzer is a unique and innovative ensemble that has pushed the boundaries of classical music and challenged traditional notions of what a classical ensemble can be. With their unconventional approach to instrumentation and their willingness to take on challenging works, they have become one of the most respected and influential groups in the contemporary classical music scene.

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