The four elements, regarded by ancient cultures as vital to the development of humanity, have long been interpreted as components of life and death, effectively encapsulating transformative cycles through their continual promotion of balance and imbalance. Written between 2000 and 2004, and entitled according to the terminology of the Renaissance scientist Paracelsus (Mercury: Water; Salt: Earth; Sulphur: Air; The imponderable: Fire), Roberto Fabbriciani his Alchemies offers an evocative take on these universal components, focusing intently on timbre and its possibilities in both acoustic and electronic environments in order to achieve a continuously shifting palette of sound. Fabbriciani uses different models of the flute, each combined with tape, to create his soundscape – in Mercury, for example, the deep sound of the hyperbass flute suggests marine depths and submerged universes with a plethora of mysterious creatures, in harmony with the ancient concept of water as an element capable of mixing with all things due to its essential fluidity. The release – Fabbriciani’s first for Brilliant Classics – is a pioneering experiment in technique meets ancient concept; as one of today’s leading flautists, Fabbriciani has honed his skills through collaborating with many major composers of the past 50 years – Luciano Berio, Elliott Carter and Brian Ferneyhough, among others.
Fabrizziani combines acoustic with electronical music, playing several flutes of different sizes, from coloratura to hyperbass.
An alchemy of unheard-of sounds, timbres and textures: truly fascinating for the open mind and open ear!
Texts in Italian and English on the works and composer.
