The Arf! Duo (NL)

The Arf! Duo - a two-man project devoted to exploring the music of Frank Zappa in an unusual and intimate format: just piano and drums. Featuring pianist Fred Händl and drummer Armin Beck, the duo brings a fresh and personal take on Zappa’s challenging and often unpredictable compositions.

Fred Händl approaches the music with care, curiosity, and a touch of mischief. His piano arrangements reveal surprising details and textures in pieces that are often densely orchestrated. Armin Beck brings energy and precision to the drums, navigating Zappa’s rhythmic twists with both discipline and flair.

Rather than aiming for note-for-note reproduction, The Arf! Duo interprets the music in a way that feels spontaneous and honest. The result is playful, at times intense, and always rooted in a deep respect for the original material.

This year, The Arf! Duo will be performing at Zappanale, Germany’s renowned festival dedicated to the music and legacy of Frank Zappa. Their set offers a quieter but no less compelling perspective on Zappa’s work – an invitation to hear it differently, through the lens of two musicians who clearly love what they play. If you’re curious about what Zappa sounds like with all the excess stripped away, The Arf! Duo is well worth your time.