Written in February 2012, Silenzio is one of Simone Spagnolo’s most popular works. Composed for solo prepared harp, this piece is inspired by the philosophy and aesthetics of composer John Cage. Silenzio was originally commissioned by harpist Giulia Rettore (featured in this very new single album), who premiered it during 2012 ENO’s Musicircus, London UK. Since then the piece received numerous performances across Europe and USA. Silenzio features some foil paper, wrapped around two of the lower strings, and three bells, hanging from the instrument’s frame and bouncing on the strings. Such extraneous objects to the harp exploit and amplify certain peculiarities of the instrument, enhancing the acoustic possibilities of the performer, who happens to produce a duet with unexpected and almost uncontrolled sounds. The structure of the composition is based upon the concepts of varying repetitions and long-run emotional shifts. Moreover the tempo, indicating to play at twenty bpm per crotchet, aims to provide a loss of pulse-perception, as wanting to suggest a non-passing time: a sort of ‘sonorous silence’ unable to articulate regular heartbeats and breaths. Keep updated with Simone Spagnolo’s new releases and gigs on: www.SimoneSpagnolo.com CREDITS Music: Simone Spagnolo Harp: Giulia Rettore Recording & Mix: Michele Panegrossi Cover Photo & Design: Theo Albanis / TheSecondDoor.com