Last week I lived an extraordinary experience: I was able to spend some days at Pigini accordions factory, in Casterlfidardo (Italy) and share some time with the workers. I interviewed them about the sounds they are surrounded by, and I recorded those sounds. I then used them to prepare drones, drum machines, immersive soundscapes, spacial tapes. And on the last day of the residency I presented my project “Poliarmonica”, a hybrid instrument that includes a Pigini accordion, electric guitar pedals, and a computer (with Ableton Live).
This sprawling and multifaceted instrument allows for a deep dialogue with the place and community hosting the performance.
In this case I could encompass the voices of the workers, the saws, the planers, the tuning machines, the robotic arms and compressors and they became musical instruments that participated in this concert as protagonists, revealing unexpected connections and sounds.
Thanks to all Pigini family for this heartwarming experience: Francesca, Massimo, Federico and Riccardo, and to all the workers I had the luck to exchange words and experiences.
Video link will follow soon.
