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SOSPIRI DEI LIMBI

SOSPIRI DEI LIMBI is a interdisciplinary work that bridges the past and present, weaving together a new music composition for classical instruments by Mariana Ungureanu, electronic sounds, video design and timeless literature to create a sensory and intellectual experience. It was first presented at Maison des Sciences de l’Homme MSH Paris Nord as part of the ArTeC École universitaire de recherche in September 2024.

Conceived as a musical passion for four voices, three instruments, electronics, and video, this piece invites audiences on a journey through the echoes of classical texts, re-imagined through the lens of modern artistic expression.

At its heart, the work draws inspiration from monumental literary sources: Dante’s Inferno, Book VI of Virgil’s Aeneid, and Ezra Pound’s Canto I, three texts that explore themes of exile, redemption, and the fragile boundaries between the living and the dead. The libretto, crafted by Filippo Bruschi, interlaces these texts into a poetic tapestry, capturing their emotional intensity while reframing them for contemporary audiences.

poster Sospiri dei limbi

Musically, SOSPIRI DEI LIMBI offers a striking blend of new compositions by Mariana Ungureanu with the enduring beauty of classical instrumentation. The ensemble features:

  • Harpsichord and organ, played by Joel Keller, evoking the grandeur of early music.
  • Violin, performed by Daniel Blanchard, bridging lyrical sensitivity and dynamic modernity.
  • Accordion, an instrument that, under the artistry of Selmaccord, adds a rich texture and contemporary edge.

These traditional instruments are interwoven with electronic sounds, conceived by Martin Lucas, which envelop the audience in a haunting, otherworldly soundscape. The electronics function as both a dialogue and a counterpoint to the live instruments, creating layers of depth and resonance that transport the listener beyond the confines of time.

The vocal ensemble—Daniel Blanchard (countertenor), Marie Cubaynes (mezzo-soprano), Xavier de Lignerolles (tenor and musical director), and Frédéric Albou (bass)—delivers an emotionally charged performance. Their voices, at times ethereal and at times visceral, embody the characters and themes of the libretto, exploring the complexities of human longing, suffering, and hope.

The visual dimension of SOSPIRI DEI LIMBI, crafted by video designer Cinty Ionescu, plays a pivotal role in the performance. The video design immerses the audience in a constantly shifting visual landscape. The visuals, influenced by the evocative imagery of Dante’s circles of hell, the underworld in Virgil’s epic, and Pound’s fragmented poetic visions, serve as a visual parallel to the music, amplifying its emotional impact. The stage transforms into a dynamic space where past and present collide. The interplay between light, shadow, and projected imagery evokes a dreamlike quality, drawing the audience deeper into the narrative.

A Modern Meditation on Timeless Themes

SOSPIRI DEI LIMBI is more than a performance; it is an exploration of the human condition. By merging classical and contemporary forms, it challenges the audience to reflect on themes of loss, memory, and transcendence. It speaks to the universality of these experiences, whether through the journey of Dante’s pilgrim, Aeneas’s descent into the underworld, or the modernist fragmentation of Pound’s epic. This production stands as a testament to the power of collaboration across disciplines, a fusion of music, literature, and technology that redefines what performance art can achieve.

Artistic Team

Music: Mariana Ungureanu
Libretto and staging: Filippo Bruschi
Video: Cinty Ionescu
Electronic creation: Martin Lucas

Vocal Performers:
Daniel Blanchard: Countertenor
Marie Cubaynes: Mezzo-soprano
Xavier de Lignerolles: Tenor, musical direction
Frédéric Albou: Bass

Instruments:
Daniel Blanchard: Violin
Joel Keller: Harpsichord and organ
Selmaccord: Accordion

Video and Editing
Camera 1: Cinty Ionescu
Camera 2: Théo Fattorini
Editing: David Grohe