“Simplicity is the final achievement.”
Constantly striving to learn from the great masters, Thilo made the search for simplicity the focal point of his musical activities. His playing and writing is strongly rooted in the language of the classical-romantic epoch, however his own work incorporates elements from Jazz and Ambient music, suggesting similarities in mindset with the likes of Shai Maestro, Nils Frahm or Keith Jarrett. Lyrical expressivity, a predilection for meaningful melodies and a persistence in developing each musical cell to its full shape characterise the playing of his. Mainly at home at the piano, Thilo explores electronic key instruments and the organ as well as being an in-tune singer. Having studied the tradition of Early, Classical, Brazilian and Jazz music, he draws from all possible influences to enrich his musical expression across stylistic boundaries.
The beginning of Thilo’s musical studies dates back to his 5th anniversary, when he formally started taking piano lessons. Later, Accordion, French horn and vocal lessons were added. Although Thilo displayed some talent performing as a soloist in the classical realm and was awarded 1st prizes at various international competitions (Steinway comp. / Germany, Bach comp. / Estonia, Neuhaus comp. / Ukraine), playing music by ear and interacting in a group context always showed to be more appealing to him. As a teenager, having had the chance to partake in the Rotary cultural exchange program and stay abroad in Brazil for one year, the decision grew in him to devote himself to improvised music and study piano at the renowned Jazz Institute in Graz. Having explored Berlin’s rich musical scenery living in the German capital for a couple of years, Thilo has returned to his base in Graz and continues to weave his diverse influences into genre-defying contemporary instrumental music.