The music of Sonderdezernat K1
In 1972 the Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) transmitted on television another greatly successful detective series - “Sonderdezernat K1“. The NDR producer Harald Vock understood the importance of a good film score for a prestigious project such as “Sonderdezernat K1“ and engaged Martin Böttcher, probably the most famous of all German film composers. With his emblematic soundtracks for the Karl May films and contributions to the Edgar Wallace mysteries Böttcher had already created film music history.
Just by listening to the main title it becomes clear that Böttcher was the perfect choice as composer for “Sonderdezernat K1”! He realizes a “groovemonster” laced with layered effects which catapults the characteristic 1970s Böttcher-sound with great energy. To this very day it is one of the best and most popular melodies of German TV. It has always played a special role in the composer’s catalog; since the mid 90’s manufacturer Hilcona has used a special arrangement of this melody in their television commercial spots. But there’s much more great music in the 23 sequels of the series: Reaching from suspense tracks a la “Edgar Wallace“ over beat, easy-listening, jazz and bossa nova to even a disco funk vocal track.
With the increasing popularity of the series record companies became aware of Böttcher’s music: In 1979 an album with 12 themes from the series was finally released: “Mord im Dreiviertel-Takt“. However it did not contain the original versions as the music was re-recorded and extended to fit to the layout of this album. Satisfyingly the original versions of these cues are preserved for the first time on this CD.
When interviewed today about his music for “Sonderdezernat K1“ Martin Böttcher is still proud of his work. For years he has put a great effort into seeing the release of the original recordings.
Almost punctually on his 85th birthday on June 17, 2012 this CD brings 31 tracks thereof to the audience.
The booklet comes with many coloured filmstills plus liner notes in German and English language.
BEISPIELE / SAMPLES
Jonny Trunk, Record Collector Magazine [08/12]: "Over the 31 cues we encounter bossas, some sleaze, some easy takes, inventive dramatic cues and a healthy number of super cool jazzy numbers, all brilliantly executed and arranged by one of the best-known Teutonic TV composers. If you haven’t had enough of swinging soundtrack affairs, this is bang on the money."
R. D. Larson's Soundtrax [07/12]:
"With 31 tracks and more than an hour of catchy, jazz-pop tunesmithing, this is a fine addition to the growing preservation of Euro-pop and Euro-spy scores of the 1970s. ...a musical backdrop that flowed with easy listening jazz, lounge, and pop beats."
Danny Gonzalez, examiner.com [06/12]: "Martin Bottcher’s ‘Sonderdezernat K1’ is a groovy, swingin' lounge-funk affair. What Martin Bottcher achieved here was a perfectly enjoyable amalgamation between relaxed, cinematic funk and hard-nosed, 1970s crime jazz; a sweeping listen which still comes off cool as a cucumber this very day. Highly recommended."