In a world resounding with mundane echoes, every now and then, a musical luminary emerges who pushes boundaries and defies conventions, poised to reshape our sonic universe. Today, we embark on a melodious journey guided by the enigmatic notes of an Italian experimental composer, Leonardo Barbadoro, whose new single “Bomi” and the forthcoming album have sent ripples of anticipation through the industry.
Leonardo Barbadoro: A Sonic Alchemist’s Evolution
Hailing from Florence, Italy, Leonardo Barbadoro’s musical journey ignited in childhood, fueled by a pilfered treasure trove of audio tapes from his older brother. This early fascination with sound served as a foundation for his musical passion. His mastery of synthesizers and guitar during his formative years led to a vital role in local bands, where he honed his musical prowess. However, Barbadoro’s true calling lay in the composition and electronic music landscape, which propelled him to pursue a degree in “Music and New Technologies,” which further became a catalyst for his artistic evolution.
Formerly known by the electronic alias Koolmorf Widesen, Barbadoro had already made his mark in the live music arena, sharing the stage with legends such as Apparat, Venetian Snares, DJ Spooky, and 808 State. Yet, his solo musical venture takes the spotlight with his latest single “Bomi”, released on September 22 via Helical, marking a profound shift in his creative journey. With this release, he bestowed upon us the gift that is not just a captivating musical composition but a testament to his visionary artistry.
What makes Leonardo’s evolution even more captivating is his remarkable transition from crafting electronic beats to composing orchestral pieces performed solely by robots. Departing from his roots in the European electronic and rave scenes, Barbadoro embarked on a journey into uncharted territory, composing music for an orchestra of automated instruments driven by digital impulses. The Logos Foundation in Ghent, Belgium, played a pivotal role in bringing his vision to life, culminating in the birth of ‘Musica Automata.’
‘Musica Automata’: Orchestrating Innovation
‘Musica Automata’, slated to release on November 3, boasts a unique orchestra of musical robots featuring classical and experimental instruments such as percussion, woodwinds, brass, and organs, alongside unconventional and experimental instruments, making it the largest of its kind on the planet. In 2018, Leonardo initiated a crowdfunding campaign to fund this innovative project and recording of a full album, which turned out to be a resounding success, igniting mainstream curiosity and earning widespread media acclaim. The pinnacle of this journey occurred at the 2019 Tomorrowland Festival, where a live performance of the robotic installation mesmerized the audience.
In his own words, Leonardo Barbadoro describes ‘Musica Automata’ as a convergence of seemingly disparate dimensions:
“Musica Automata represents a turning point in my compositional and instrumental research. It is music that brings together two dimensions often perceived as incompatible, even antithetical: the boundless expressive possibilities of electronics implemented by an acoustic instrumental body in a sensory reality, beating, vibrating, and blowing.”
“Bomi”: A Symphony Without a Human Touch
“Bomi” serves as a captivating precursor to this exceptional LP, weaving an eclectic tapestry of acoustic sounds resonating within natural spaces. This mesmerizing composition is entirely programmed by Leonardo and performed without human intervention. It intricately combines pipe organs, pianos, and bells, forming a mesmerizing main motif. The rhythm is anchored by gentle tambourines and castanets, while the piece bursts to life with a profusion of arpeggios and sporadic melodies. The brilliance lies in the subtle ‘human’ nuances injected into the robotic performance through programmed parameters such as dynamics and sound envelopes.
The accompanying video for ‘Bomi’ is an artistic marvel in its own right. It displays the intricate code, syntax, and musical notes sent to the robots, offering a visual representation of the colossal amount of information that goes into this symphony of sound.
Watch the music video below:
To conclude…
With ‘Bomi’ as our gateway to this visionary world, we are on the cusp of experiencing music that transcends boundaries and redefines our understanding of sound and musical composition. Leonardo Barbadoro is not just a composer; he is a maestro of innovation, a pioneer leading us into uncharted musical territories. As the world eagerly anticipates ‘Musica Automata,’ one thing is clear: Leonardo’s orchestration of robotic wonders is poised to leave an indelible mark on the future of music.
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Featured Image Credit: Luca Nicolao