The sweet, velvety sound of the clarinet entwines with haunting vocals and resonant percussion, breathing life into a piece that hovers between past and present. Carlo Matti’s Laudes, released under the Raighes Factory label, is a mesmerizing EP that reimagines medieval traditions through a contemporary lens. This fusion of sacred and modern sensibilities finds its roots in the Cantico delle Creature, St. Francis of Assisi’s hymn to nature and divinity, creating a soundscape as timeless as it is innovative.
At the heart of Laudes lies the clarinet, its evocative tones leading the charge. Though the EP is vocally driven, the clarinet emerges as an equal, if not greater, force—a shamanic guide illuminating the mystical depths of the composition. Alessio Zanovello’s masterful performance on the instrument captures the "modern observer" role, bridging the sacred medieval world with contemporary resonance.
Matti’s composition deftly intertwines medieval melodic traditions with modern harmonic and rhythmic progressions. Perfect fifth intervals and iso-rhythmic patterns evoke medieval and Renaissance music, while the clarinet's sweeping melodies ground the piece firmly in the present. Percussive elements—including shamanic drums, Tibetan cymbals, and liturgical bells—add a ritualistic layer, enhancing the piece’s spiritual undertones.
The vocal contributions, performed by Nova Soli, Marco Grattarola, and Andrea Manstretta, embody the soul of the piece. Their delivery reflects the structure of the medieval laude, with baritone bordoni creating a harmonic foundation that vibrates with otherworldly resonance. The fragmentation and reshaping of St. Francis's text elevate it from a historical hymn to a universal message.
The electronic elements, paired with the portative organ and harpsichord, weave seamlessly into the tapestry, underscoring Matti's vision of time as a continuum. The result is a work that feels at once ancient and futuristic.
Carlo Matti describes Laudes as a “magic trick,” where the surface beauty conceals profound spiritual truths. The work’s pantheistic undertones and alchemical symbolism reflect St. Francis’s reverence for the interconnectedness of all creation. As Matti notes,
Laudes is “a riddle—one that opens a door to a hidden world, outside of time.”
Laudes is a stunning exploration of history, spirituality, and musical innovation. It invites listeners into a meditative space where the boundaries of time dissolve, offering a glimpse into a world where the past enriches the present and illuminates the future. Fans of Arvo Pärt, Hildegard von Bingen, and ethereal, spiritually resonant music will find themselves utterly captivated.
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