In an impressive showcase of audio innovation and resilience against the elements, Andrea Manzoni, a Milan-based pianist, composer, and sound recordist, embarked on a unique sonic journey through Iceland’s wilderness. This adventure was not just a personal quest but a mission to capture the essence of nature’s symphony for a theatrical production titled “Qivittoq.” The play, set against the stark and desolate backdrop of the North Pole, narrates a dystopian love story in a world grappling with resource depletion.
To achieve his goal, Manzoni utilized two Rycote HC-15 shotgun microphones, renowned for their precision and durability. Over the course of 30 days, he undertook 12 excursions into remote areas, braving extreme weather conditions to record the untouched sounds of the environment. The Rycote HC-15, known for its hypercardioid pickup pattern, enabled Manzoni to capture sounds with remarkable clarity, almost akin to monophonic recording. This level of precision was crucial, given the challenging conditions he faced, including blizzards with winds up to 60 km per hour and temperatures dropping to -35 degrees Celsius.
Despite these adversities, Manzoni’s perseverance paid off. The sounds he captured—ranging from the howling wind and cracking ice to the gentle murmurs of waterfalls and the distant calls of ravens—will form the backbone of “Qivittoq’s” soundtrack. This project highlights not just the technical capabilities of the Rycote HC-15 microphones but also the profound connection between sound and narrative that Manzoni aims to establish. Through his recordings, the elemental forces of nature are woven into the fabric of the composition, creating an organic auditory experience that complements the story’s themes.
The premiere of “Qivittoq,” along with the release of its soundtrack, is scheduled for April 11 at the Teatro Sociale Bellinzona in Switzerland. This event promises to be a testament to the power of sound design in storytelling, showcasing how innovative technology like the Rycote HC-15 microphones can be used to bridge the gap between the natural world and narrative expression.
