German electronic pioneer Klaus Schulze has died

Schulze was a member of Tangerine Dream and Ash Ra Tempel among others

German electronic music pioneer and multi-instrumentalist Klaus Schulze has died, aged 74.

Schulze was a prolific musician and electronic music pioneer, known for his minimalist synth compositions and pivotal work as part of legendary kosmische outfits Tangerine Dream, Ash Ra Tempel, Software, and Dark Side Of The Moog. Born in Berlin in 1937, he met Tangerine Dream brain Edgar Froese in 1969, joining the band in their original band incarnation, as a drummer.

Despite his involvement in such projects, the bulk of Schulze’s discography consists of solo works, such as ‘Picture Music’, ‘Audentity’ and ‘Angst’. His use of analog synth sequencing and arpeggiation (making early use of patented, iconic machines such as Farfisa and Moog synths, as well as the ARP Odyssey) is now widely regarded as precursory to much of modern day dance styles such as ambient techno and trance.

Additionally, Schulze’s early works are known for their pioneering use of organs; sometimes, he would manipulate the sound of a broken organ in order to produce intriguing results, either vis the use of amplifiers or large rooms.

Later in life, Schulze found an obsession with the Frank Herbert sci-fi novel Dune, which led him to work with acclaimed film composer Hans Zimmer to aid in the making of the score for the 2021 film adaptation. He also worked with 4AD favourites Dead Can Dance, the pop band Alphaville, and German ambient figurehead Pete Namlook.