LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

• Format: CD, archival album, stereo
• Edition: First-ever release of previously unpublished recordings
• Studio Material: Eight rehearsal-room recordings made in Rüsselsheim
• Live Material: Three selections from the rock opera Life’s A Stage, recorded in Flörsheim on 29 September 1979

Guildenstern were formed in Rüsselsheim, Hesse, in 1976 and developed a keyboard-dominated form of German progressive rock. Although the group performed regularly and created a substantial body of original material, no record was released during its lifetime. The recordings collected here are the surviving documents of the band’s work from 1978 and 1979.

Bernd Scholl’s organ, electric piano and synthesizers occupy a central position in the arrangements, creating broad symphonic textures and more atmospheric electronic passages. Michael Kuplien adds electric and classical guitar as well as violin, while Michael Lippert contributes bass, guitar, twelve-string guitar and occasional vocals. The music recalls the melodic and expansive qualities of early Genesis, Camel, Yes and Eloy while retaining the exploratory character of the late German progressive underground.

The first eight tracks were recorded in the band’s rehearsal room. “Murder Of Gonzago,” divided into two sections, introduces the album’s theatrical inspiration through shifting keyboard themes, guitar passages and dramatic changes of mood. “Morning Dew,” “After The Inquisition” and “Away” move between symphonic rock, acoustic textures and more spacious electronic sections.

“Hamlet And Ophelia” and the instrumental version of “Thoughts” reveal the group’s more reflective side, while “The End” develops into one of the collection’s most substantial rehearsal performances. Several pieces feature double-neck twelve-string guitar, adding a bright, resonant contrast to the dense keyboards.

The final three tracks were recorded live in Flörsheim on 29 September 1979 and originate from Guildenstern’s rock opera Life’s A Stage. “Day By Day,” the vocal version of “Thoughts” and the extended “Mask Of The Red Death” demonstrate the band’s ability to transform its carefully structured compositions into energetic concert performances.

1. Murder Of Gonzago (Part 1) – 4:50
2. Morning Dew – 4:02
3. After The Inquisition – 4:51
4. Away – 4:03
5. Hamlet And Ophelia – 4:14
6. Thoughts – Instrumental – 4:13
7. Murder Of Gonzago (Part 2) – 2:54
8. The End – 6:58
9. Day By Day – 8:15
10. Thoughts – 4:24
11. Mask Of The Red Death – 10:18

Tracks 1–8 are rehearsal-room recordings from 1978.
Tracks 9–11 were recorded live in Flörsheim on 29 September 1979.

• Bernd Scholl – organ, electric piano and synthesizers
• Michael Kuplien – electric and classical guitars, violin
• Michael Lippert – bass, electric guitar, twelve-string guitar and vocals
• Reinhard Olschanski – acoustic guitar
• Gerd Holfelder – vocals
• Claus Lange – drums
• Kai Crone – additional synthesizer