Düsseldorf-based visual artist, composer, and cellist Marcus Kaiser and Germaine Sijstermans have been collaborating as a cello and (bass) clarinet duo since 2020. Together, they perform their original duo compositions and other work by their hands, as well as pieces by other composers. Their duo concerts occasionally include solo performances by one or both artists.
In their duo playing and compositions, Kaiser and Sijstermans explore the interplay of the differences and similarities between the instruments, as well as their personal approaches to the (open) scores, with great care and attention. The most obvious similarity between the cello and bass clarinet is their shared frequency range. Both instruments also offer a similarly great flexibility in timbre, dynamics, expression, and extended techniques. However, each has its distinct sound and specific limitations tied to their methods of sound production: bowing for the cello and airflow for the bass clarinet.
The duo has performed at i.a. multiple editions of Opening Festival Trier (DE), Lagerhaussommer at Heim.art (2020-present), Amsterdam Wandelweiser Festival (NL), Default Den Haag concert series (NL), Musica Sacra Festival (NL), gr'Ambacht concert series (BE), Co-incidence Festival 2023 (US/AT).