Since its founding in 1946 by the composer Karl Amadeus Hartmann, Bayerischer Rundfunk’s musica viva has been one of the most prominent concert series on the international contemporary music scene. Hartmann wanted to create a forum for the language of today and thus also incorporated the design of posters and programmes.

Günter Karl Bose has been working for musica viva for twenty years. His concert posters have had a major influence on the look and feel of the series. They reflect his intense visual exploration of contemporary music. Posters fulfill their purpose the moment they have an impact. They are advertisements. Here is a work that merits a second look.