Tripping with Nils Frahm

Tripping with Nils Frahm is a mesmerising musical journey that showcases the raw talent and unique performances of one of the most respected musicians in the field of modern classical and electronic music. The film captures keyboard maestro Nils Frahm in his element, chronicling a series of concerts performed at the famed Funkhaus Berlin on the back of a marathon tour; a tour which spanned four continents and over 180 shows.

The documentary, released in 2020, gives viewers an intimate glance into the creative world of this critically acclaimed German composer, pianist and producer, and captures the enchanting performance style that has seen him captivate audiences across the globe. Directed by Benoit Toulemonde, a close friend and collaborator of Frahm's, the film is a deftly exhilarating flight into a realm composed of ethereal rhythms, elegant piano solos and inventive, ambient synth hues that crisscross between classical and electronic borders.

The film’s title, while on the surface summoning psychedelic connotations, is more accurately perhaps a double entendre, referring both to the transformative, trance-like experience that Frahm’s music is capable of inducing, and to the literal meaning of travel. In this case, it is the conveyance of the audiences led by Frahm himself, on a journey through a sonic landscape of unparalleled depth and innovativeness.

Toulemonde, a skilled cinematographer, captures the transcendent experience of a Nils Frahm concert with aesthetic precision and artistic flair. His footage, shot during Nils Frahm's 2018 All Melody tour, creates the overarching narrative – a unique and immersive viewer experience that respects the concert format, yet transcends it into an almost otherworldly event. He uses light and shadow, careful framing and fluid camera motion to mimic the ebb and flow of the German artist's expansive compositions, juxtaposing the intimate with the expansive to mimic the tension and release inherent to Frahm’s music.

The film presents Nils Frahm as a boundary-blurring musician, someone who is unbounded by traditional approaches to composing and performing. His performances are an improvisational exploration of musical intricacies, in which he skilfully mixes acoustic and electronic instruments into well-stirred soundscapes that haunt, inspire and captivate. The film spotlights Frahm's multi-layered approach to music, focusing on his mastery of a vast array of keyboards, from grand piano to Roland Juno synthesizer.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the movie is the sound quality. Tripping with Nils Frahm exquisitely captures the space-transforming quality of sound. The ambiances created by the recording techniques, together with Frahm's intricate soundscapes resonate beautifully on film, highlighting the sonorous expansiveness inside the historic architectural wonder that is Funkhaus Berlin.

The focus, though, remains on Frahm himself, shown as a virtuoso in constant motion, navigating his forest of keyboard instruments like a dancer or a playful child. Viewers will enjoy watching how passionately and enthusiastically he moves from one keyboard to another, modulating effects and tempo, his feet almost as busy as his hands. His enthusiasm is infectious and forms a palpable bond with his audience. Frahm's unpretentious and personable character, which comes through his music and casual interaction with the audience, forms an integral element of the film.

Apart from the obvious appeal to Frahm's fans and music connoisseurs in general, Tripping with Nils Frahm is a visual treat as well. The scenery, the location, the lighting, all combine to contribute to the overall mood and tone of the production, capturing the special atmosphere of a live performance. The metaphorical journey hat the film initiates through the realms of lights, shadows and sound, coupled with the corporeal journey through the unique ambience of Funkhaus Berlin – an emblem of architecture and acoustics – radiate a majestic aura that renders the viewer spellbound.

Tripping with Nils Frahm, through its artistic elegance, enthralling sonic exploration and compelling concert footage successfully crafts a transcendental audiovisual experience. It amplifies the magic of this maestro's live act, making it accessible to a global audience yearning to witness the genius of Nils Frahm. This film captures the essence of a tour de force in contemporary music, offering a mesmerising journey into a new realm of sound and expression, capturing a slice of music history in the process.