Tango foxtrot: Danzer video blends wood veneer production with music
DORNBIRN, Austria - International hardwood company Danzer produced a musical piece titled “The Sound of Danzer” that picks up characteristic sounds of industrial veneer production and blends it with world-famous tango music.
 
“This has been an idea we had for quite some time. The focus is on our patented Danzer veneer slicers VS4000 – their sound has been embedded to the melodic tango music as well as other typical noises from production and the hissing sound of the sprinklers on the log yard”, explains Eckart Schmitt, responsible for Danzer’s communication.

Renowned musicians offer insights into veneer production

“For the position of musical director we were able to win the experienced German conductor Aki Schmitt, the musicians are renowned ensemble musicians from Prague”, Eckart Schmitt continues. The video was shot at the Danzer veneer plant in Mělník in the Czech Republic.
 
“Almost in passing the video gives an insight into the processes of our veneer production. Our patented Danzer veneer slicers VS4000 cut entire logs with highest precision into thin sheets of veneer. The machines can run as fast as 90 cuts per minute and make a powerful rhythmic sound. Turning the sounds of our veneer plants into music is not as farfetched as one might think, as the video shows. High-quality hardwood production requires excellence – just like performing finest music. And last but not least, many instruments are made from wood, because of the superior characteristics of the material.”

Details on the musical composition

The music in the video is the famous tango La Cumparsita by the Uruguayan musician Gerardo Matos Rodríguez (1897–1948). Aki Schmitt, born 1985 in Krefeld / Germany, arranged the piece for Danzer with typical sounds from the veneer plant and created an opus for clarinet, violin, accordion, cello and double bass. On the instruments you can hear and see classically trained professional musicians from Czech orchestras. “We are very happy with the performance in our The Sound of Danzer video - it combines the best of wood, industry and music. The result is excellent entertainment: It's fun to watch the artistically sophisticated clip,” Eckart Schmitt concludes.
 
Danzer is a leading quality hardwood company with production facilities in North America and Europe. It has approximately 1,600 employees and services customers from 18 sales offices worldwide. Founded in 1932, Danzer is managed by a third-generation family member. The company owns and sustainably manages forests in North America and produces sliced veneer, lumber and innovative value-added wood products for decorative purposes. Danzer products are used in high-quality furniture, kitchen cabinets, cars and other applications.

 

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About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.