Milan-based renowned pianist, composer and sound recordist, Andrea Manzoni is part of a movement aiming to redefine the musical landscape with an approach that blurs the boundaries of traditional music styles. He recently made a transformative journey into Icelandic wilderness for the sound design of Qivittoq, a theatrical production set in the North Pole of a world rapidly depleting its resources.

Working from a draft script from the director, Manzoni secured a 30-day residency in the remote town of Isafjordur in the Westfjords, in order to make 12 excursions to locations devoid of human presence. Here, he was to capture raw environmental sounds with shotgun mics.

‘Venturing into the Icelandic wilderness presented a captivating challenge,’ he says. ‘The elemental sounds of ice, wind and dock wood have always fascinated me, and recording them along with the sounds of waterfalls, waves and ravens amid the stark beauty of Iceland’s landscapes was truly inspiring. My objective was to integrate the essence of nature into the fabric of my composition, establishing a profound connection between sound and narrative. The result is a purely organic auditory experience’

Equipped with the HC-15 hypercardioid short shotgun microphone paired with a Rycote InVision shockmount and windshield rain cover, Manzoni braved extreme weather to capture the elusive sounds of nature. ‘The hypercardioid pickup pattern of the HC-15 enabled precise sound capture, almost akin to monophonic recording,’ he says. ‘With 60km/hour blizzards, and sub-zero temperatures, the InVision high grip and the microphone’s lightweight and versatile design proved invaluable in the harsh conditions.’

Despite encountering formidable challenges, including sudden blizzards and temperatures plummeting to -35°C, Manzoni undertook long treks that often resulting in only minutes of recording.

This undertaking promises to bring a new level of authenticity and immersion to Qivittoq, enhancing the audience’s experience through the power of authentic sounds. The soundtrack will be released imminently, alongside a premier of the show to be hosted at the Teatro Sociale Bellinzona in Switzerland on 11 April 2024.

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