In classical music, I perform as Erich Berghammer, Scent Artist.

Scent has now earned its place as a legitimate solo instrument in the classical repertoire, a significant cultural milestone, though not truly avant-garde, given that fragrances have enriched theater and concerts since antiquity.

How can scent be classified as an instrument?

Scent has an octave that mirrors the octave structure of sound. Explained simply: High, bright notes correspond to high and bright scents, i.e., citrus; deep, resonant tones align with dark essences, i.e., vetiver; middle registers center on florals, i.e., rose. I have collaborated with prominent contemporary classical artists, including cellist Maya Fridman, flute player Noémi Győri and piano player Suzanna Bartal.

Scented Classical Music Concerts

I have performed with the Amsterdam Chamber Orchestra at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam and have scented Mozart’s Requiem at the Oude Kerk in Delft.

I toured with Maya Fridman, performing our duo piece ‘Aether’ at the Oranjewoud Festival, Festival Classique, and Amsterdam Grachten Festival. Together with flutist Noémi Győri and pianist Suzanna Bartal, we premiered our piece ’Listen to the Incense’ at the House of Music in Budapest.

World Premiere 2027

Upcoming: world premiere at the Philharmonie de Paris with the Orchestre National d’Île-de-France under Georg Köhler, with clarinet player Annelien van Wauwe. Featuring our piece Love is Louder, a concert for clarinet, perfumer, and orchestra, composed by

Benjamin Attahir.