Sonic Journeys: A Glimpse into Caterina Barbieri’s Musical Universe
#caterinabarbieri #vinyl #indiemusic
Italian composer Caterina Barbieri has been captivating audiences with her transcendent musical experiences for the past decade. Known for her unique blend of modular synthesis, vocals, and various instruments, Barbieri has created a distinctively emotive musical signature through albums like “Patterns of Consciousness” and “Ecstatic Computation.” In a new film, Barbieri opens up about her creative process and the power of collaboration, offering a glimpse into her performances in Italy, Berlin, and London.
For Barbieri, music is both tangible and ethereal, a spiral that connects the physical world to the metaphysical. She describes sound as a medium that transcends one’s ego and physical limitations. It allows individuals to step outside of themselves and engage with a broader sonic landscape. This perspective has influenced her latest endeavors, particularly in light of the isolation brought about by the pandemic.
In response to her longing for shared artistic experiences, Barbieri launched a platform and live concept called light-years. Emphasizing collaboration, she released an album called “Spirit Exit,” which served as the foundation for the light-years project. The artist views collaboration as an essential aspect of her creative journey, enabling her to explore new sonic territories and push the boundaries of her music.
The film captures Barbieri’s introspective thoughts on music, sound, composition, and collaboration. It features exclusive live footage from venues like Berlin’s Metabolic Rift, London’s Southbank Centre, Italy’s Nextones Festival, and the volcanic environment of Mount Etna in Sicily. Through stunning visuals and intimate interviews, viewers gain insight into Barbieri’s artistic vision and the transformative power of music.
The film was directed and produced by Pedro S. Küster, with cinematography by Sven Gutjahr, Laima Leyton, and Sofia Kuster. Live sound engineering was handled by Bridget Ferrill, while the overall sound design was by Pedro S. Küster. The film also showcases reworks of Barbieri’s compositions, such as Evelyn Saylor’s rendition of “Fantas” performed at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Other notable performances include Barbieri’s collaboration with Bendik Giske in Berlin and Val D’Ossola for a piece entitled “Magma” (working title), as well as her solo performance of “At Your Gamut” on Mount Etna. Additionally, “Arrows of Time” and “Perennial Fantas” feature Barbieri’s captivating compositions performed at Berlin’s Metabolic Rift.
Light design for the light-years shows was done by MFO, and special thanks were given to Bendik Giske, Nkisi, Evelyn Saylor, Michelle Cheung, Sara Persico, Lydia Saylor, and Joe Goddard for their participation and support.
Barbieri’s journey through music and collaboration serves as an inspiration for artists and musicians alike. Her ability to connect the tangible and intangible aspects of sound provides a unique perspective that challenges conventional boundaries. Through her innovative approach and dedication to collaboration, she continues to push the boundaries of what music can be.
To watch the film and delve into Caterina Barbieri’s artistic journey, visit the Fact website. It’s an opportunity to witness the intersection of music, sound, composition, and collaboration and discover the transformative power of Barbieri’s creative vision.
Learn more about Caterina Barbieri
