[Guest blog post by Riki Refaeli and David Talmor, Freed‘s family and friends]
With great sorrow we part from Friedhelm Hans “Freed” Hartmann upon his tragic death, and provide this tribute to Freed and his many activities including his strong contributions to the Freesound community.
From 1979 to 1986 Freed studied contemporary composition at the Carl Maria von Weber University of Music in Dresden, from 1986 to 1988 at the Akademie der Künste Berlin, and from 1989 to 1993 algorithmic composition at the Institute for Computer Music and Electronic Media at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen. During this time, Freed also joined the German Electroacoustic Society as an active member. From 1993 to 1995, Freed expanded his studies with Itzhak Sadai at the Buchmann Mehta-Musikhochschule of the University of Tel Aviv in the field of music archaeology as a scholarship of the German Academic Exchange Service. In addition to worldwide performances of Freed’s compositions, which were organized by music companies such as the IGNM or ICMA in various European and non-European countries, Freed’s efforts to introduce new musical ideas to listeners who have less experience with avant-garde or experimental music included the contribution of a large fund of experimental sound textures to the Freesound community, which are still used by several thousand members, the collaborative creation of music pieces, consisting of sounds and sound structures of many Freesound members of different musical backgrounds, musical educational projects and lectures for primary school classes.
Freed’s interest in his music paralleled his interest in the life he built with his life-partner, Riki Refaeli, near the Mediterranean coast just south of Tel Aviv. Freed and Riki built a life together that included much culture, frequent hiking trips in various regions, and delightful get-togethers with their broad range of friends. The relationship between Freed and Riki reflected the diversity, color, and activeness of how Freed related to music. Tragically Freed met his death in the Mediterranean Sea, and although his life ended his works very much continue. Freed’s Freesound profile can be found here. His highest rated sounds in Freesound are found here, and his most downloaded sounds are at here. You can learn more about Freed’s work at his web site, and on his YouTube channel.
Freed very much enjoyed and benefited from the Freesound community, and we hope that the Freesound community will continue his memory and his approach by continuing to use his works and to remember the very special person from which they came.
– Riki and David
RIP
How awful, I’m sorry to hear this. Aside from his wonderful contributions to FreeSound.org he sounded like a wonderful person.
Even though I don’t know him, I can imagine the sadness and the miss his family are feeling, hope they get well soon.
RIP Maestro
Thank you for honoring his legacy here. The sound community greatly appreciates his contributions.
Sorry to hear this.
His sounds are amazing and I’m sure many had no idea they were on here. I’d imagine many people will continue to enjoy them and newcomers to them like me will enjoy hours of listening to the unique sounds and using them in their own ways. I’ve already been smiling, surprised and elated to what I’ve listened to so far. Pretty much all of the sounds I have never heard before!
I hope his family and friends will be alright going forward. Loss is terrible, and those we lose may likely want us to continue on positively, moving forward and upward – While enjoying the memories of the experiences we’ve had with them and acknowledging and living the effect they’ve had on us and the world.
Personally I take loss and envelope it in some creative form to always acknowledge them going forward. Everyone has their means – It’s always tough, I hope the best for all – And look forward to using his sounds so perhaps more people can experience and enjoy his artistic legacy.
Thanks Freed <3
Hats off sir. Rest easy.
I am deeply sorry, such a creative genius
R.I.P
RIP Freed. Thank you for the music…
RIP sir, may you have fun making music with the angels.
Rest in peace, and thank you for sharing your creativity and talent, Freed.
Thanks too to Freesound for honoring him.
A life so well spend! I love freesound. First thing I do with a new device is installing crazy sounds from here. RIP Freed!
Thank you for your contribution. Rest in peace.
Thank you for honoring him Freesound.
Thank you for your contributions Freed!!!! Your work inspires me to keep creating!!
Rest in peace. Thank you Freed for your contributions to the community.
Much love, rest easy Freed <3
Yes. Thank you to Freesound for honoring this man.
Rest in peace. Thank you Freed for your contributions to the community.
May you rest in peace.
Oh no. I am so sorry to hear of this. His talent and presence here has always been an inspiration. Much love to his family and friends and prayers going up for strength, comfort and healing. He will be missed terribly.