Wenn Der Südwind Weht cover

Wenn Der Südwind Weht

Hans-Joachim Roedelius · 1981

40 min · 10 tracks · avant-garde music

Ethereal melodies intertwine with experimental textures, creating a serene yet haunting soundscape reflective of nature's calm and chaos.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Wenn der Südwind weht Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its gentle harmonies and intricate layers, embodying the natural inspiration behind the work.
  • →
    Mein Freund Farouk — This piece combines playful melodies with an unexpected rhythmic structure, highlighting Roedelius’s ability to create depth within simplicity.
  • →
    Sonnengeflecht — Sonnengeflecht showcases a delicate interplay of synthesized sounds and organic elements, illustrating the album's thematic unity through its serene atmosphere.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
75 /100
Alpine
Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's immersive soundscapes and innovative textures mark it as a significant work in avant-garde music.

What we noticed

  • The album features long, flowing compositions that often blend acoustic and electronic sounds, creating a seamless soundscape.
  • Each track typically evolves slowly, with minimal rhythmic elements, allowing the listener to immerse in the textures and melodies.
  • Several tracks incorporate field recordings or natural sounds, enhancing the organic feel of the music and reflecting its thematic connection to nature.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
9/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • immersive auditory exploration
  • gentle ebb and flow
  • reflective moments of calm
  • ideal for quiet afternoons
  • subtle textures for focus

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer upbeat and fast-paced

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album helped establish Roedelius' reputation in the avant-garde scene.
Career context
When Wenn Der Südwind Weht was released in 1981, Hans-Joachim Roedelius was establishing himself as a key figure in the avant-garde music scene following his work with Cluster. This album marked a continued exploration into solo territory after his previous collaborative efforts, showcasing Roedelius's ability to blend organic sounds with electronic experimentation.
Stylistic neighbors
Brian Eno· Tangerine Dream· Steve Reich

Tracklist

  • 1 Wenn der Südwind weht Start here 4:13
  • 2 Veilchenwurzeln 5:05
  • 3 Mein Freund Farouk 4:19
  • 4 Mutee 3:56
  • 5 Freudentanz 2:00
  • 6 Goldregen 1:04
  • 7 Auf leisen Sohlen 3:52
  • 8 Saumpfad 8:32
  • 9 Sonnengeflecht 3:30
  • 10 Felix Austria 4:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata