Michael Hasel: a portrait

One of Michael Hasel’s teachers was Aurèle Nicolet, who was principal flute with the Berliner Philharmoniker in the 1950s under Wilhelm Furtwängler and Herbert von Karajan, so a certain connection to the orchestra already existed before Hasel himself became a member in 1984. The real challenge of his instrument is less in the fingering technique than in “phrasing and breathing technique” and the search for “beauty of sound”, as the musician explains in this portrait. His flute, which in contrast to the instruments of many colleagues is mostly made of wood, helps him in this. Hasel developed it together with Anton Braun, who comes from a family of instrument makers dating back to the 19th century. The present film features the flautist playing several solo passages in excerpts from concert recordings. In addition, the water sports enthusiast, who is also active as a conductor, taught as a professor in Mannheim and now passes on his experience to the young musicians of the Karajan Academy, talks about his admiration for Sir Simon Rattle.