SYNUSONDE: Sounds of the Zodiac

After experiencing Neuropa: Where Sound Becomes Vision with Paolo F. Bragaglia and Marco Bragaglia, I was curious to see what would happen when a pianist joined them.

This time, Matteo Ramon Arevalos completes the trio for Synusonde: Sounds of the Zodiac, an immersive audiovisual concert built around the twelve signs of the zodiac.

Heldeke!’s small, cosy theatre is once again a surprisingly perfect setting for this kind of performance. Sitting so close to the stage, you are right in the middle of the experience, surrounded by the music and Marco’s evolving visuals.

Each of the twelve zodiac signs is represented through an original musical piece and its corresponding imagery. The combination of acoustic piano, electronic sounds and visuals creates a full sensory experience that constantly shifts and evolves.

And the musicians are anything but static. At one point, Paolo and Matteo are each playing their own piano, then they move to the same instrument, creating a completely different interaction between the two. A moment later, Paolo is back at his electronic setup, shaping and transforming the sound while Matteo continues on the piano.

Watching the two musical worlds meet is fascinating. The acoustic piano brings something warm and physical to the performance, while the electronic sounds add depth and texture. Meanwhile, Marco’s drawings and visuals evolve alongside the music, giving each zodiac sign its own visual identity.

Paolo’s fascination with electronic music goes back to the 1980s, when he first started experimenting with synthesizers and drum machines. That experience really shows in the way he handles the electronic side of the performance. The equipment feels less like a collection of machines and more like an extension of his musical language.

The result is immersive, experimental and beautifully cohesive. You don’t simply listen to the music or watch the visuals. You move between the two, with one constantly changing the way you experience the other.

Synusonde: Sounds of the Zodiac was an incredible experience, and I loved seeing how the addition of a piano could give this project an entirely new dimension.

The Tallinn Fringe Festival continues until 18 September.

Author: Hélène