Walter Wegmüller

Introduction to Tarot

Walter Wegmüller's "Tarot," released in October 1973, is a unique double LP that merges music with the mystical themes of a tarot deck. The album was released by Die Kosmischen Kuriere, a label founded by Rolf-Ulrich Kaiser and Gille Lettmann. It features 22 tracks, each named after a card from the tarot, reflecting the esoteric nature of the project.

Recording and Collaborators

The sessions for "Tarot" took place in December 1972 at Dieter Dierks's studio in Stommeln, Germany. Wegmüller, primarily known as a painter, collaborated with several prominent musicians from the German music scene. Among them were Manuel Göttsching and Hartmut Enke from Ash Ra Tempel, Klaus Schulze renowned for his electronic compositions, and members of Wallenstein including Jürgen Dollase on keyboards, Jerry Berkers on bass, and Harald Großkopf on drums and percussion.

Musical Composition

The album's sound is a blend of electronic music, rock, and elements of Krautrock and progressive rock. Each track corresponds to a specific tarot card, such as "Der Narr" (The Fool) and "Der Magier" (The Magician). This thematic approach creates a narrative that invites listeners to explore the connections between the music and the meanings of the tarot cards. The diverse instrumentation and varying musical styles contribute to a rich auditory experience.

Physical Tarots and Artwork

Notably, the original release of "Tarot" included a physical tarot card deck designed by Wegmüller. This deck complemented the album’s concept, enhancing the connection between the music and the tarot's symbolic imagery. The artwork reflects Wegmüller’s background as a painter, making the entire package a cohesive artistic statement.

Conclusion

"Tarot" features 22 tracks that explore the themes of the tarot deck through music, with each track named after a card. The album exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the early 1970s German music scene.