"Pitch of the Present" is a comprehensive documentation of the Witten Days for New Chamber Music, which have been organized by the city of Witten and WDR since 1969. This work provides a deep insight into the 40-year history of the festival, which serves as a platform for avant-garde music and is significant for both professionals and music enthusiasts. The publication includes essays, photographs, portraits, and memories from eyewitnesses that illuminate the development and impact of the festival. Additionally, a chronology and discography are presented, summarizing the key events and works. The book is complemented by two CDs that contain rarities from the festival's history and reflect the diversity of the compositions performed.