Sequentia Legenda Decade view by Paul

Sequentia Legenda Celebrates 10 Years
with the Album DECEM

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF SEQUENTIA LEGENDA
with the Album DECEM

As an artist of the Berlin School for a decade now, I have had the privilege of sharing musical and spiritual journeys with many passionate fans. Today, I am excited to announce the release of my new album, DECEM, scheduled for December 27, 2015, marking my ten-year presence on the music scene.

Discover the insights of Paul Rijkens, an avid listener from the early days and a contributor for iO Pages magazine. His unique perspective and in-depth analysis offer enriching views on the musical evolution of Sequentia Legenda over the years.

DECEM Trailer

THE MUSICAL EVOLUTION OF SEQUENTIA LEGENDA
As Seen by Paul Rijkens

Laurent: Which Sequentia Legenda track or album has had the most impact on you and why?

Paul: For me, it is Float Among The Stars from the album Beyond The Stars. This song embodies everything I love about Sequentia Legenda's music. It has a magnificent sequence, excellent choir sounds, and a melancholic atmosphere that brings me back to the late 70s when the Berlin School style was flourishing.

Laurent: What aspect of Sequentia Legenda's music touches you the most and why?

Paul: In Sequentia Legenda's music, you can clearly hear the love and devotion for the Berlin School. All the albums breathe the Berlin School. It is the music Laurent grew up with. The same goes for me, so I think we have something in common here. I am a bit of a gear freak. Laurent uses software to make his music. But I don't hear any difference with hardware instruments. Using software in such a way that I don't notice it is also a quality of Laurent, in my opinion.

Laurent: How would you describe Sequentia Legenda's musical evolution from the album BLUE DREAM to today?

Paul: It is certain that Laurent is a big fan of Klaus Schulze's music, especially that from the late 70s. This can be clearly heard in BLUE DREAM. This is also true for the other albums, but I hear more and more that he brings in sometimes very subtle changes that can be called his own style. The sequences, the sounds, the drums, but overall the great atmosphere make the music.

THE TOTAL FREEDOM TO TRAVEL, TO IMAGINE, TO DREAM
For me, the Berlin School is all of that

Paul: What has drawn you to the Berlin School style of electronic music?

Laurent: Freedom. The total freedom to travel, to imagine, to dream. It is precisely this spirit of freedom that I still hold dear today to share with listeners. What is more beautiful than freedom, especially after what humanity has experienced? Music has no boundaries; vibrations are everywhere around us, they are energy, they are an integral part of life here and elsewhere. For me, the Berlin School is all of that.

It is precisely this freedom that has allowed me to explore new sounds and create compositions that escape conventional structures. For example, in my tracks, I enjoy playing with long and hypnotic sequences, sophisticated layers, and sequences in perpetual change, immersive sound textures that invite the listener to travel beyond our constraints, beyond our limits. It is a way to liberate the imagination and allow everyone to escape, to find their own space of dream and contemplation. The Berlin School is more than a musical genre; it is a philosophy, a way of perceiving and feeling music as a universal and timeless language, free from any constraints.

 

Paul: I have seen earlier pictures of you where you set behind hardware synthesizers. On your Sequentia Legenda albums you use software synthesizers. What made you decide to use software? I must honestly say, I don't hear a difference.

Laurent: It's a great compliment to hear that you don't notice the difference between software and physical instruments. I place great importance on the sound texture, particularly the analog grain that is typical of the mid-70s. I had the chance to acquire some prestigious analog machines such as the Korg modular, the famous PS3200, the MS20 and its companion, the SQ10 sequencer, the Oberheim DuoVoices, and the iconic ARP Odyssey, to name a few. Later, with the arrival of the MIDI standard, I traded my machines for digital synthesizers like the Roland JD800 or the Waldorf Microwave. I was able to experiment with different types of synthesis, which allowed me to quickly become comfortable with virtual synthesizers. I feel at ease with them; I've learned to get the best out of them to closely approach the sound grain that I love. The possibilities are vast, and I follow my heart in choosing these options. 

In conclusion:

I am deeply touched by Paul's words and his perspective on my work. His feedback, both on the technical and emotional aspects of my music, shows me that my quest to create and share positive vibrations and an immersive atmosphere is achieving its goal. Knowing that Paul does not notice any differences between the physical synthesizers and the VSTs in my work is a great recognition for me. The fact that I was able to work on subtractive synthesis in my youth has served me well. The feelings of the listeners are always important to me, and knowing that my compositions can resemble the best years of the Berlin School is an immense reward. Knowing that my love and dedication to this beautiful movement are apparent in my soundscapes makes me extremely happy.

For those who missed it, don't forget to check out my interview with Renaud Joly, where we discussed the significant moments of my last ten years in music. Read here.

While waiting for the release of DECEM, I also invite you to discover the DVD LIVE in EINDHOVEN, which captures the essence of our performance, Tommy Betzler and myself.

Thank you again for your continuous support.

Musicales Greetings,
Laurent Schieber (Sequentia Legenda)

 

 

            

BEYOND THE STARS retrospective

How High?
So high that i can touch the sky!

BEYOND THE STARS: LITTLE BIT OF DREAM,
A MUSICAL ESCAPE, A SHARING OF EMOTIONS

I'm pleased to do a retrospective on my album BEYOND THE STARS.

Released in 2020, this three-track opus aims to shine a spotlight on the purest tradition of the Berlin School. It's an invitation to travel into a musical and cosmic space. Come and touch the stars and let yourself be gently rocked to the rhythm of the sequence.

The album is of course available on my Bandcamp page as a digital version and also as a Digipack CD pressing including a poster. Distribution is also via the Patch Work Music website.

BEYOND THE STARS: A little dream, a musical escape, a sharing of emotions.

Three titles in the purest tradition of the Berlin school.

I wish you a pleasant sound immersion,
Laurent Schieber (Sequentia Legenda)

1. EXPERIMENTAL:
THE WAY OF PERSEVERANCE AND HOPE

This long composition demanded a great deal of energy and patience from me. Additional rhythmic elements by Tommy Betzler have been added to the basic percussion. The work was worth it, this title sounds today as it resonated deep inside me at the very beginning, a little more than a year ago.

EXPERIMENTAL

 
2. FLOAT AMONG THE STARS:
A MUSICAL AND MENTAL ELEVATION

The emanations of sequences from the modular Moog open this composition accompanied by the faraway strings of the Solina. The upward journey continues towards a musical and mental elevation. The vaporous atmosphere of the second part is an invitation to float among the stars.

FLOAT AMONG THE STARS

3. BEYOND FROM THE BEYOND:
A MUSICAL AND CONTEMPLATIVE CIRCUMNAVIGATION

The experimentation of a new musical approach for this revisited version of Circumnavigation. A musical and contemplative journey, a navigation around life and eternity – a journey to the beyond.

BEYOND FROM THE BEYOND

A RETROSPECTIVE OF SOME TESTIMONIALS
ABOUT THE MUSIC OF SEQUENTIA LEGENDA

It's still just as important for me to get feedback from my listeners, it's essential.

I'd like to thank all those who follow me and support me on this musical path, I really appreciate it.

TESTIMONIALS

Thanks to Beata Pardela for this photo

YOUR MUSIC IMMEDIATELY CAUGHT MY ATTENTION

I discovered your music at the end of 2018 on Bandcamp, and the first shot I heard was "MIND LAKE". As I am a great lover of electronic music, as well as the editor of the only Polish internet radio EL-Stacja promoting exclusively electronic music, your music immediately caught my attention. I am fascinated by the genre of the Berlin School and this style of music is the most important for me.
The music created has a gentle sequential structure that allows you to immerse yourself in your dreams, to think and above all to relax with it. For me, the moments spent with this music act as a balm for the soul, carry everyday problems somewhere far away and give great relaxation and the strength to struggle with reality. This music has a great calming and relaxing power and I am happy to listen to it.

Beata Pardela
(Radio Moderator - EL-Stacja - Poland)

🎙️ Beata Pardela asked a question to Sequentia Legenda: "I would like to know how your music has influenced you, how it has evolved over the last five years, when you have created so many really great and precious pieces, and how you evaluate your work in five years. What are your ideas and plans for the coming years?"

🎙️ Sequentia Legenda: "My influence goes back to my teenage years when I discovered Mirage Klaus Schulze's album by chance. That was my musical trigger. So it was much later, in 2014 with BLUE DREAM, that I took the plunge and brought my musical work into the open. Those first five years were pure joy as I was able to share my passion with success and recognition. I am proud and honoured. These first five years have been a pure joy in that I have been able to share my passion with success and recognition. My dream has come true and my next projects will be in this line with a constant evolution."

FIVE YEARS WHERE EVERY TIME I'M SURPRISED

For me it's five years where every time I'm surprised that you manage to surprise me The challenges in your personal life perspire on the sweetness of your music. Even in its most intense moments. And this sensitivity that you lay down in music responds freshly to mine.

Sylvain Lupari
(Reviewer - Synth&Sequences)

🎙️ Sylvain Lupari asked a question to Sequentia Legenda: "Five years Laurent since BLUE DREAM! Are you satisfied with your evolution? How did you see yourself five years ago? Are you where you wanted to be?"

🎙️ Sequentia Legenda: "Time goes by quickly indeed, too quickly! I am a sensitive and demanding person with myself and I must admit without pretension that I am happy and satisfied with the journey I have made in five years. I have always favoured work, quality, rigour and sincerity. In the end, I am satisfied to find myself five years later in total adequacy with my musical vision of the start! I have made no concessions, I have kept the course I set myself and this is the one that will guide me for the next five years: sharing my sensitivity through my sound universes."

Thanks to Anton Uraletz for this photo

VAST SEAS OF HARMONIC SEQUENCES

My way to Berlin-school electronics was easy but long and took almost 20+ years since I heard it for the first time… there is so much interesting music around, and I explored it step by step, style by style. In the end of December 2015, a friend of mine gave me a tip to «BLUE DREAM» and «AMIRA» – «Man, you’ll like it… I swear». And yeah, I did. That was a sort of enlightenment – vast seas of harmonic sequences that set up a whole Universe of sound… the seas to immerse in, delving neither into psychedelic nor abstruse soundscapes. Straight-forward, simple and even sequencing is the remarkable and one of the most precious advantages of Sequentia Legenda… it forms these breezing soundscapes that carry you upwards and away on its wings of soaring dreams and reveries to the azure faraway distance where the Highmost Welkin meets the Sound of the Sequence. And that’s the way it is.

Anton Uraletz (Russia)

🎙️ Anton Uraletz asked a question to Sequentia Legenda: "My question about your last 5 years is simple – how have you fell in love with sequencing? What does it mean to you?"

🎙️ Sequentia Legenda: "I fell in love with the sequences from the very beginning of my discovery of Klaus Schulze's discography with the two sound universes of Mirage. The sequencer is my favourite tool, it is very often by the setting up of the loops that my creative work begins. The sequencer is my machine for weaving the soundtrack. It is important for me to make several loops of notes cohabit and to bring this harmonic and rhythmic ensemble to life.  My vision of sequencing: Loops in perpetual evolution."

Thanks to Oleg Parfentev for this photo

THE ART OF SEQUENTIA LEGENDA

I will start from a distance and tell you how I discovered electronic music and the Berlin school in particular.

...it was somewhere in the 90's, I don't remember exactly. I couldn't sleep at night, so I turned on the radio. There was beautiful, unusual music on the air, not like the music on other radio stations. I stayed on that show and listened to it until morning. Later I found out that it was a program about electronic music called Back to the Universe. Programmed at certain hours of the night, and its permanent host was (and still is) DJ, musician and journalist Martin Landers. Here is his website and information.

This man (his programs) took me into the world of electronic music, which I had never known before, and it was from him that I got to know the Berlin School and other areas of electronic music, Klaus Schulze and many other musicians and bands.

I heard the music of Sequentia Legenda for the first time 3 years ago on https://vk.com/ (it's our Russian analogue Facebook).

Only there you can put music in addition to texts, photos and videos. As a rule, it is pirated, which means that nobody pays for it. I really liked the songs (AU REVOIR, SOLITUDES LUNAIRES, THE APPROACH), and I kept them.

Much later, I decided to search the facebook page of Sequentia Legenda. And I had by chance the release of the new album OVER THERE, which of course I also liked a lot.

And then, Laurent, I recognized your blog, your page on bandcamp.com and all your music. And I also met you and made friends on facebook.

Each of your albums, I discovered it gradually : listen, listen, listen... They are different, but there is definitely a recognizable style, the style of Sequentia Legenda. Each album has a favourite track or even several. I also really like the way your CDs are made: the photo, the design and of course the sound. Thank you very much for your autographs and wishes. It's very expensive! In the age of digital sound, it's very nice to hold a CD (or a vinyl record) in your hands! (At least for me).

What does your music mean to me?
Laurent, for me, what you do on stage is magic. It's magical. I have no idea how it works! Yes, there's an idea, there are means and tools to implement it (synthesizers, computers, instruments). But how it all ends up in this fascinating music - I don't understand! And I don't have to understand it. Magic must contain mystery. But I MUCH like what you get in the end!

At the moment, for various reasons, I am not as actively following news and innovations in the field of music. But when I hear a melody on a radio station, I immediately recognize Sequentia Legenda. How do I feel? If something you like sounds like SOLITUDES LUNAIRES (one of the diamonds in your collection!), I'm delighted. The heart starts beating more often, breathtaking, you fly away... It's not in words!

In conclusion, I would like to thank you, Laurent, for the joy and happiness you bring to us, the listeners, with your magical music. You have always had and will always have a constant and faithful listener who needs you. Keep on creating. I know this is a difficult moment in your life, but let your two suns (Dylan and Valentin), as you once said, light your way and give you strength and confidence. You are a wonderful father, a wonderful musician and, in general, a kind and good person.

I am very happy to have met you and the art of Sequentia Legenda.

I wish you much, much luck and all the best!

Oleg Parfentev (Russia)

🎙️ Oleg Parfentev asked a question to Sequentia Legenda: "I'm interested in how the composition is born? Where does it begin? The very beginning. How do you put in your head this melody, this rhythm that will later be a success in your album? How does it happen? (I suspect that creating a melody is a long and tedious process (I might be wrong). But it always has a beginning, a starting point (a starting impulse). What does this mean to you? Share it, please, if you can share it :)"

🎙️ Sequentia Legenda: "The creative phase, begins in a subtle and unpredictable way, it's a call, a magnet that will attract me to my keyboards. Inspiration can come from an image, a story, a sound, a walk, a chance too. Then, in front of my machines, the experimental phase begins, often by setting up the first loops, then the first layers. Then begins the real work of composition, which can sometimes be time-consuming, because I am a demanding person - demanding on myself as well. For example, for my first track FLY OVER ME (BLUE DREAM), it took me no less than sixteen months to be satisfied with the result! Music is an achievement and I always want to put quality before quantity, I want to offer the best of myself for my listeners and for the beautiful musical movement that the Berlin School represents."

            

THE book about Klaus Schulze

"It took over 5 years until I was satisfied enough to publish it.
Now it is available for everyone."
Olaf Lux

VIOLINS DON'T GROW ON TREES The life and work of Klaus Schulze

VIOLINS DON'T GROW ON TREES
The life and work of Klaus Schulze

Well, what can you write about your own work. It's great, you absolutely have to read it!

Why? Because it's a book for everyone who cares about Klaus Schulze. If you have only superficially dealt with Klaus Schulze and his music so far, you will find everything that could interest you in this book, from Klaus' first school band to his announced early retirement, every album, every piece is illuminated, described and put into context. And even the KS fan who thinks he already knows everything is presented with all this knowledge in an amusing and informative way, and he will realise that he by no means knew everything after all. I don't want to give too much away.

I can only say that I worked on the book for over five years, studied hundreds of interviews and articles and talked to countless companions and colleagues of Klaus. And when even Klaus' friends and family tell me that they like the book – hey, what more could you want!

Stay healthy - Klaus' music will help you,
Olaf Lux

The book is available on Bandcamp in German and English here

Olaf Lux

 

I DON'T WANT TO GIVE TOO MUCH AWAY
I worked on the book for over five years

Well, in the 50 years I've been walking around here, I've been a lot of things: class clown, break dancer, bank clerk, writer, boogie dancer, actor, ninja, journalist, filmmaker, belly dancer, lifeguard, music lover, marathon runner, dwarf, Japanese teacher, rapper ...

Through my big brother I got to know music – good music: Pink Floyd, Genesis, Alan Parsons, Tangerine Dream, Jean Michel Jarre and ... Klaus Schulze. However, it took me over 20 years to realise that my purpose in life is Klaus Schulze. 10 years ago I founded the Klaus Schulze Forum, and it was only logical that at some point I felt called to write a book about Klaus ... THE book about Klaus. It took over 5 years until I was satisfied enough to publish it. Now it is available for everyone. And it has turned out well. A really good book. THE book about Klaus Schulze.

Oh, yes ... I am also very modest ;-)
Olaf Lux

The book is available on Bandcamp in German and English here

BEYOND THE STARS by Sequentia Legenda

BEYOND THE STARS IS COSMIC SPACEROCK – BASTA
No more and no less

Whenever the greats of electronic music get upset about why their music is described as "cosmic" or "spacerock" or something similar, I think to myself "Then why do you call your pieces "Comet Melody", "Alpha Centauri" or "Stardancer"?
It's its own fault.

I love the clear confession of Laurent Schieber aka Sequentia Legenda.
BEYOND THE STARS is cosmic spacerock – basta. No more and no less.

That's what the album title says, that's what the wonderful star-flooded cover says, that's what title names like "Float Among The Stars" say, and that's what the dedication of the artist says, who wants to touch not only the listener but also the sky with his music.

The almost half-hour main piece "EXPERIMENTAL" is not by chance reminiscent of Klaus Schulze's hypnotic soundscapes, with none other than Tommy Betzler drumming the driving rhythm. Tommy, who has already been on stage for and with Klaus Schulze, and who has now come out of his early musical retirement to give new artists like Michael Brückner or Laurent Schieber a rhythmic backbone. When the mellotron choirs then kick in, the spirit begins to float as if by itself and you can almost feel the Timewind on your skin. "EXPERIMENTAL" – for me the highlight of the album.

"FLOAT AMONG THE STARS", on the other hand, captivates you from the first moment with a clear-as-a-bell sequence, you can literally hear the stars whizzing by, and when the sequence finally dies down, you realise that you have now actually left the galaxy, that you have actually landed beyond the stars. Fascinating and terrifying at the same time...

But not as stirring as "BEYOND FROM THE BEYOND". What is beyond the void? What was before the beginning of time? Where do we come from, where are we going? ... All these questions echo in the eternally circling sounds and chords that glide through our fingers like water - just like the answers to the existential questions. We may be able to feel them, but we cannot hold them ... they are beyond the stars ...
Olaf Lux

BEYOND THE STARS by Sequentia Legenda is available here

A video retrospective of my six years on the Berlin School stage

My 8 physical albums are for the occasion presented in a video with the association of Corina Chirila's pictorial works. I am delighted to have been able to share during these first six years my sound universes, my own musical vision and thus offer a part of dream and escape to the listeners.

We ALL need music, even more nowadays.
For me music remains a vector of Hope and Love.

Long live music, long live the Berlin School!

Laurent Schieber (Sequentia Legenda)

 

 

            

Sequentia Legenda's Christmas 2020

"This has been a special year
and we need music and hope even more."
Laurent Schieber (Sequentia Legenda)

Thank you in advance for your support

YOU CAN VOTE NOW
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT

The competition is launched, the election is open!
You can vote for the best artists and the best CDs of 2020.

I am present on the list of artists 2020 (Sequentia Legenda) here.

My two albums "FIVE" and "BEYOND THE STARS" are on the list of the best CDs of 2020 here.

Thank you in advance for your support.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and long live the Music!
🎹🙏🎹 Laurent Schieber (Sequentia Legenda)

Corina Chirila

 

CORINA CHIRILA
PAINTING, MUSIC & EMOTIONS

I had the pleasure of discovering Corina's artistic works during a live broadcast "ELECTROSTATION" organised by Adrian Bancu in Romania, dedicated to the Berlin School.

Corina Chirila is very talented and she spontaneously and kindly accepted to participate in my video retracing my six years on the Berlin School stage. The backgrounds in this film are Corina's paintings.

I invite you to watch the retrospective video of my vision of the the Berlin School.

Corina Chirila : "I use to draw and paint since the year 2000 when I was almost 14. Since then the beauty of the universe is inspiring me. I like to draw and paint all the things I dream of but cannot reach. The subjects of my art are related to science such as astronomy and biology (I am a biologist and I like to draw and pain biological subjects too) but I also express my feelings and toughts by my creation. Poetry is also inspiring me."

About Sequentia Legenda : "Music inspires me and I can almost see the stars, planets and galaxies. Listening to it, I can visualise their light and I feel like I am travelling. I imagine spheres, black holes and gravitational waves. I like to do some of my paintings while listening to electronic music."

https://desenepicturi.com/

https://www.facebook.com/artist.corina.chirila

 

Laurent Schieber aka Sequentia Legenda

SEQUENTIA LEGENDA'S WISHES
SENSITIVITY, SINCERITY & HOPE

We've been through a special year, and for my part, I find that musical sharing makes even more sense at this time. We all need music, escape, freedom.

I am happy to be able to live my dream and even more so in these complicated times, and being able to offer a share of the dream, a moment of relaxation, is a real joy for me.

I wish you a wonderful holiday season.

Long live music, long live the Berlin School!

🎹🙏🎹 Musical greetings from France,
Laurent Schieber (Sequentia Legenda)

Six Years of Sharing Music – A retrospective video of my vision of the Berlin School.

My 8 physical albums are for the occasion presented with the association of Corina Chirila's pictorial works. I am delighted to have been able to share during these first years my sound universes, to offer a part of dream and escape.  

 

 

            

BEYOND THE STARS under the magnifying glass of Clavius Reticulus

"And by all the gods of the Cosmos,
he gives us a solid slap in the face here !"
Clavius Reticulus (music reviewer at Prog Censor)

Visual design: El Jice

BEYOND THE STARS
Three cosmic trips

Laurent Schieber (Sequentia Legenda) discovered the Berliner Schule in the cellar of his parents in the form of an old vinyl called "Mirage", a masterpiece of the undisputed master in this field: Klaus Schulze. It was a revelation for him, who then set himself the task of rethinking the style in his own way. And by all the gods of the Cosmos, he gives us a solid slap in the face here. Three cosmic trips with an exceptionally rich emotional sound.

 

With this album, Laurent Schieber (Sequentia Legenda) revisits the parameters of the genre. He definitely embodies the true Schulzian heritage.

Clavius Reticulus
5/5

🖝 Original Chronicle in French by Clavius Reticulus (Prog Censor)

🖝 The Blog article in French

Background: El Jice

EXPERIMENTAL
The first steps of a celestial staircase

"Experimental" re-explores the sequential flavours of "Body Love 2" originally "Moogetique" (1977), a rise in power similar to that of "Nowhere Now Here". Sequencers in perfect symbiosis with the drums of his colleague Tommy Betzler, who also assisted Klaus Schulze, celestial virtual choirs to open the doors to a world whose sesame was previously held only by the composer. Climbing up the first steps of a celestial staircase, we enter at ground level into the crystalline mists of a scintillating mirage born of moiré nebulae where our subtle anamorphic bodies float to evaporate into a perfume of eternity beyond the beyond, where matter becomes Light.

EXPERIMENTAL

Background: El Jice

FLOAT AMONG THE STARS
Mirrors the waters of the "Crystal Lake"

"Experimental": Mirrors the waters of the "Crystal Lake" of the great Klaus Schulze.

FLOAT AMONG THE STARS

Background: El Jice

BEYOND FROM THE BEYOND
Echo of Time

"Beyond from the Beyond": Here is the birth of a fairy caress coiled in the arms of a spiral nebula stretching out its sparkling gems. Illuminating the unfathomable space-time exploded, the rosette stretches slowly, to the rhythm of a revealing heartbeat. Resurgence of an iridescent dream translated by a slight syncopated rhythm prolonged in the echo of Time.

BEYOND FROM THE BEYOND

🖝 The Blog article in French

 

I would like to thank Clavius Reticulus for his beautiful review and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did. As a musician, it is important and interesting to know how listeners feel.

Music for me is a sharing of emotions, a message of Love, a vector of Hope.

I wish you a beautiful sound immersion and a beautiful celestial journey in the company of BEYOND THE STARS.

Musical greetings from France,
Laurent Schieber (Sequentia Legenda)


🖝 BEYOND THE STARS

🖝 Sequentia Legenda web page