By: Staff
Jack Salzani has just released “Metamorphosis Of Surroundings,” and after diving into it, we were left in awe.
What captivated us most was how this artist crafts a sonic experience that doesn’t just ask the listener to absorb and reflect on its message but actively invites them to shape their own interpretation. This work isn’t simply meant to be heard; it’s meant to be lived. Salzani has stated that the piece “encourages others to reinterpret its public score, making it a living, evolving work.” Achieving this is no small feat, it requires music that resonates deeply, forming an emotional bridge between artist and audience. This album accomplishes precisely that, transforming itself into multiple works in one: the performer’s interpretation, our interpretation, and the one we then pass on to others. It’s a breathtaking, daring, and truly unique concept, one we haven’t encountered in decades of experiencing music at this level.
“Metamorphosis of Surroundings” brings together a string quartet, piano, and live electronics to explore themes of change, recurrence, and layering. The result is an immersive and transformative composition that challenges conventional listening experiences.
One of the most striking aspects of the performance is how deeply emotional it feels. From the very first notes, Salzani demands complete attention. To fully immerse oneself in this piece, silence is necessary. Eyes closed, the listener is drawn in by a dynamic violin, a force that swirls and envelops, leading into an evocative soundscape. The composition takes on an aching sorrow, a profound sadness unfolding like a protagonist lost in grief. As the strings wail and the piano drags in heavy, and sustained, we feel the weight of loss pressing down. The protagonist struggles, wandering through a world that only reminds them of what is gone. The strings intertwine, their edges curling as they cut through one another, rising in intensity until a sudden moment of release. A brief glimmer of light breaks through the somber haze—a momentary reprieve, as though the sun pierces through dark clouds overhead. With a renewed but fragile strength, our protagonist stumbles through the streets, invisible to the world, haunted by memories. Then, a single image stops them: a rose in a shop window, identical to the last one they gave to their love. Dizzy, and overcome, they collapse beneath the weight of this final vision. The music fades, and with it, the life of our lost figure.
This masterpiece of sonic beauty and artistic vision does more than tell a story, it builds a world just like the one we created, you too will feel and create your own. Salzani reaches deep into the listener’s subconscious, unearthing raw emotion and exposing it to the light. Few artists can pull off something so cinematic, so unrestrained in its introspection.
We have truly fallen for this artist, whose work bridges the worlds of film scoring and personal storytelling. There is an undeniable depth to Salzani’s compositions, his ability to guide listeners through journeys of change, self-reflection, and emotional upheaval is remarkable. The connection he fosters between artist and audience is profound, for the music does not impose a rigid narrative but instead allows the mind to roam freely, discovering personal meanings within its vast landscapes.
It’s almost unfathomable that we are only now discovering this artist. Salzani not only masters technical composition with precision but also elevates it through boundless thought and expression. His work is a testament to the transformative power of sound.
Beyond the breathtaking composition itself, the production quality of “Metamorphosis Of Surroundings” is immaculate. The engineering is masterfully executed, ensuring that each instrument is clearly defined within the mix while simultaneously blending into an effortless whole. The result is a sonic landscape that feels both expansive and intimate, delivering an immersive, transportive listening experience.
With such an impressive release, it’s clear that Jack Salzani is an artist to watch. We will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on his future works. For anyone drawn to music that defies boundaries, challenges perception, and evokes profound emotion, this is an artist whose work demands to be explored. Follow his journey, immerse yourself in his sound, and experience the extraordinary artistry of Jack Salzani.
Quartetto Obliquo, a renowned string quartet based in Venice, Italy, known for their technical precision and emotional depth, played a crucial role in shaping this album’s sonic identity. Salzani’s close friend, cellist Gabriele Tai, also provided valuable insights during the composition process. Their collaboration first began while working for Cosmogram at the Church of Cosma e Damiano, Giudecca, an experience that heavily influenced the artistic direction of the album. The fusion of tradition and innovation is evident in the way these musicians balance classical instrumentation with modern experimental elements.
Salzani’s influences are woven seamlessly into the fabric of this work. Artists like Jóhann Jóhannsson and Max Richter inspire his ability to merge traditional instrumentation with contemporary textures, while Steve Reich and Emanuele Wiltsch Barberio’s use of looping and live electronics can be felt throughout the album’s layered complexity.
This release is particularly significant as it serves as the first single from Salzani’s upcoming album Is Everything About Letting Go? The work strikes a delicate balance between minimalism and complexity, offering listeners an introspective journey that evolves with each listen. The album was recorded at Cosmogram Studio in the Church of Cosma e Damiano, Venice, a space rich with emotional and symbolic significance. Salzani spent two years immersed in the artistic community there, and the unique acoustics of the location helped shape the album’s distinctive sound. Adding an extra layer of intimacy, the piano was recorded in Sofia Pozdniakova’s living room using a single microphone, resulting in an organic, raw quality that enhances the emotional weight of the composition.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Salzani’s creative process is his approach to live performance. His music is designed to be a living entity, encouraging reinterpretation and ensuring that no two performances are ever the same. This fluid approach blurs the traditional roles of composer, performer, and listener, making each experience unique and deeply personal. It is this fearless artistic exploration that sets Salzani apart and makes his work an essential listening experience.
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