Jazz an der offenen Moosach
On Friday, October 2, it was that time again: the mobile piano moved—this time right into the heart of the Long Night of Democracy in Freising. From 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., it stood at the war memorial, right by the open Moosach.
Those who know the idea behind the project understand: Jazz does not wait in the concert hall. Since January 2025, I have been traveling with a real piano on a bicycle trailer in and around Freising, playing where life happens. This evening was perfect for that. The program of the Long Night described it this way: “Musical encounters and lived diversity are at the heart of ‘Street Piano’. At the Long Night of Democracy, the project makes a statement for exchange, openness, and inspiration.”
An evening to pause
Als es dämmerte, setzte an der Moosach eine wunderbare Ruhe ein. Die Geschäfte waren geschlossen und die Passanten waren gelassener. Wenn mAs dusk fell, a wonderful calm settled over the Moosach. The shops were closed and the passers-by were more relaxed. If you listened closely, you could even hear the water of the Moosach, which had been reopened. I chose the program to match: jazz ballads—so the quieter tones of the piano.n genau hingehört hat, konnte man sogar das Wasser der wieder geöffneten Moosach hören. Das Programm habe ich passend gewählt: Jazzballaden, also eher die ruhigeren Töne des Klaviers.
It became a calm, atmospheric evening. Guests repeatedly settled into the chairs, others joined, stood for a few minutes, and then left again. Some sat on the Moosach steps, alternating their gaze between the water, the piano, or the evening sky.
That’s exactly what my music is for: It creates a moment where one has time to reflect and enjoy, right in the city and completely without a ticket or stage.
When listeners become participants
The best thing about a piano on the street: It invites participation. Over the course of the evening, some passersby were encouraged to play a spontaneous four-hand piece. I was very happy to accompany and support them, and it was great to experience how quickly a random walk-by turned into a shared musical experience.
A graduate of the Camerloher Gymnasium also wanted to contribute a piece spontaneously. That was a wonderful change and gave the evening a unique color. Exactly these unplanned moments are what make the charm of the mobile piano for me.
Why such evenings motivate me
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who stopped, listened, played along, or left a quick smile or a small donation.
I was also happy to accept it when my former Camerloher history teacher, Mr. D., asked for a ten-minute music break during his city tour so that he could explain the important background of the Freising War Memorial to the group.
Thank you!
For me, it was exactly the evening I had envisioned when the city center was still under construction and the idea of a mobile piano as a "meeting point" slowly took shape in my mind.
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who stopped, listened, played along, or left a quick smile or a small donation.
Thanks also to the team at the City of Freising’s Volunteer Center (Treffpunkt Ehrenamt) (link) for the organization and the invitation to be part of this special evening.
What’s next?
The mobile piano remains in motion. If you hear me playing somewhere in Freising next time, feel free to stop for a moment. And those who feel like it might even sit down to join. Because the mobile piano project only becomes complete with players and listeners!
See you soon, somewhere between Upper and Lower Main Street in Freising's wonderful city center!
Alexander
P.S.: If you’d like to take another look at the wonderfully designed 2026 program, you can find it here: Lange Nacht der Musik 2026 Freising