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