Label: Intervallo – INT004 Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue Country: Italy Released: 2 Mar 2016 Genre: Electronic Style: Abstract, Ambient
Deeply mysterious sub-aquatic Italian library holy grail from Alessandro Alessandroni, Amedeo Tommasi and Franco Tamponi.
The Italian library ‘Nature Series’ from 1973 has achieved cult status within experimental music and hardcore record collector circles. Allegedly made in an edition of 50 copies only (and never commercially available), it allowed a group of pioneering Italian composers to experiment with new techniques whilst focusing to a specific natural theme. Each were released on ‘fake’ labels with a generic design and are close to impossible to find now.
All the scarcity, collector, gatekeepery stuff aside, the compositions here are undeniably incredible. Ichthyology is the study of fish and the pieces reflect the profound mystery of the deep sea. It’s some of the earliest examples of purely atmospheric music , or ‘ambient’. Alessandroni’s compositions are nervous and locked in suspense (the threat at the bottom of the sea), balancing quivering electronics against suspenseful guitar dervishes, whereas Tommasi drifts romantically with glistening electronics and schmoozing lounge chords. Franco Tamponi’s three contributions evoke a sense of calm with lightly shimmering Rhodes keys and weightless drifting flute. It’s all frighteningly ahead of it’s time and still a vitally important intersection between ambient, avant-garde and classical music which would be better known if it weren’t for it’s original uncommercial approach. (NM)
Tracklist A1 Amedeo Tommasi– Alghe Romantiche A2 Amedeo Tommasi– Alghe Romantiche 2 A3 Alessandro Alessandroni– Minaccia Sul Fondo A4 Alessandro Alessandroni– Minaccia Sul Fondo 2 A5 Atmo – Subaquatic A6 Atmo – Subaquatic 2 B1 Atmo – Sub Uno B2 Alessandro Alessandroni– Ittiologia B3 Franco Tamponi– Acquamarina B4 Franco Tamponi– Submarino B5 Atmo – Fascia Abissale B6 Franco Tamponi– Acque Profonde
