Herman Kathan
Information about the musician

Herman Kathan is a professional musician. He plays the music and instruments of two different cultures:

The musical traditions of the Malinke (from West Africa) have emerged from ancient traditions and heritage, and they appear to us through an incredibly high level of rhythmic complexity. This particular musical culture is among the most outstanding on this planet. The dominant instrument, the Djembe, is one of the main instruments of Herman Kathan's focus. Herman acquired his comprehensive knowledge about this music and its structure through many visits to West Africa. His rich knowledge about the musical tradition is also influenced by outstanding musicians from Guinee who have settled in Europe. His most noteworthy teachers are Mamady Keita and Famoudou Konate. He has performed on stage with both of them.

The second culture that Herman has studied in great detail is the rich musical tradition of Brasil. His focus is on the cultic tradition, the 'Candomble'. In this music, the African roots are vivid and the ethnic originality is amazing. The instruments used in Candomble are Atabaques and Congas. On the congas, Herman Kathan also plays 'Samba', the contemporary popular Brasilian music. The tradition of Samba is mainly represented by big orchestras, the 'Batucada' formations. Herman Kathan is also familiar with the instruments played within Batacuda.

One of his other main instruments is the musical bow, the 'Berimbao'. This rhythmical instrument has only one string. This instrument is considered one of the oldest on this planet. The musical influences of the berimbao instrument are accordingly multiple. Herman's knowledge about Brasilian traditions was mainly formed through his education from Dudu Tucci.

Herman Kathan does not only perform his music in concerts and on other occasions, he also loves to teach and communicate this music to his students. Since he experienced a traditional european musical education himself, he is very well aware of the difficulties and obstacles that arise that anglo individuals have when they want to learn traditional black music. He not only specializes in teaching beginners, but also teaches continuously learning groups whose members are about to make their way into professionalism. He offers workshops in Germany and abroad and also works regularly with school classes. Herman Kathan has more than 15 years of experience teaching and performing this music.

Herman Kathan offers:

CONCERTS with his Percussion-Ensemble "Busch-Werk". A full evening program with african and brasilian music. On a regular basis this ensemble features significant Djembe masters such as Famoudou Konaté, Soungalo Coulibaly or Amadou Kienou. For 2 years Herman has been performing regularly with the European percussion legend Nippy Noya.

PERFORMANCES with the professional fairy tale teller Hansjörg Ostermayer. 90 minute programs with fairy tales from Africa and India can be booked.

SINGLE - AND DUO-PERFORMANCES for smaller events, such as Vernissages, Cultural events, or private parties.

WORKSHOPS in Germany and abroad for Djembe, Congas, Batucada, Atabaques and Berimbau. An actual list of dates can be ordered.

CONTINUOUS CLASSES for people that are interested in a continuous education. Such classes have been formed in many different cities.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS for professional and semiprofessional musicians with appr. 2-year duration.

INDIVIDUAL LESSONS for persons that prefer individual eduacation.

PRESENTATIONS about the music of West Africa and Brasil, their structures and relationships.

Further information is available through:

Herman Kathan
Gaxhardter Str. 29
73495 Stödtlen - Dambach
Germany

phone.: ++49 (0)7964-300034
www.kathan-zauberhaus.de
email: Herman.Kathan@t-online.de