Jack Salzani’s single Metamorphosis of Surroundings offers a profound musical experience, blending neoclassical elements with modern innovation. As the first release from his upcoming album Is Everything About Letting Go?, the piece captures the essence of transformation, weaving together a dynamic tapestry of string quartet, piano, and live electronics. Inspired by artists like Jóhann Jóhannsson and Steve Reich, Salzani creates a soundscape that is both cinematic and deeply introspective, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of personal interpretation.
Metamorphosis of Surroundings opens with a delicate interplay between the string quartet and piano, creating a sense of stillness that evolves into something vast and emotionally rich. The repetitive motifs echo the influence of Steve Reich’s minimalism, while the cinematic depth recalls the emotional resonance of Jóhann Jóhannsson’s compositions.
This blend of traditional and modern textures feels organic yet innovative. The string quartet, performed by the Venice-based Quartetto Obliquo, breathes life into the composition, their precision and emotive depth enhancing every nuance. Salzani’s decision to integrate live electronics into the piece adds another layer of complexity, transforming the organic tones of the instruments into something almost otherworldly. The use of looping techniques, inspired by Reich, creates an accumulative effect—gradually building tension and releasing it in waves of cathartic resolution.
At its core, Metamorphosis of Surroundings reflects on transformation—both external and internal. Salzani’s intricate composition mirrors the process of change through the layering and repetition of motifs. The piece feels like a journey, evoking images of shifting landscapes, evolving emotions, and the constant interplay between chaos and order.
The title itself speaks to Salzani’s philosophical approach, exploring how our surroundings—and our perceptions of them—are constantly reshaped by time and experience. This thematic depth is one of the piece’s greatest strengths, making it resonate on both an intellectual and emotional level.
The creation of Metamorphosis of Surroundings was a deeply collaborative process. Salzani’s partnership with Quartetto Obliquo was pivotal, with cellist Gabriele Tai providing crucial insights during the composition phase. The quartet’s interpretation of the piece is nothing short of masterful, their collective artistry bringing Salzani’s vision to life with stunning clarity.
The recording process also adds to the piece’s uniqueness. The historic Church of Cosma e Damiano on Venice’s Giudecca island provided an acoustically rich environment, infusing the recording with a sense of timelessness and reverence. The piano, recorded in the living room of composer Sofia Pozdniakova, adds an intimate quality that contrasts beautifully with the grandeur of the strings. This juxtaposition of settings reflects the dualities present throughout the composition—tradition and innovation, stability and change.
What sets Metamorphosis of Surroundings apart is its open-ended nature. Salzani has made the score public, encouraging other artists to reinterpret the piece in their own unique ways. This decision aligns perfectly with the themes of transformation and evolution, turning the composition into a living, breathing work that can adapt and grow over time. It blurs the lines between composer, performer, and listener, making the audience an active participant in the piece’s ongoing journey.
Salzani’s background in film composition is evident throughout Metamorphosis of Surroundings. The piece feels like the soundtrack to a yet-to-be-written film, its lush harmonies and dynamic contrasts evoking vivid imagery and deep emotions. As Salzani’s friend Sofia Pozdniakova remarked after hearing the album, “I just saw a whole movie in my head.” This cinematic quality makes the piece not only a musical journey but also a narrative one, inviting listeners to imagine their own stories within its framework.
Jack Salzani’s Metamorphosis of Surroundings is a remarkable achievement—a composition that balances minimalism and complexity, tradition and modernity. It serves as both a standalone masterpiece and a gateway to the broader narrative of his upcoming album Is Everything About Letting Go?.
By blending the emotive power of the string quartet with the transformative potential of live electronics, Salzani has created a work that feels timeless yet contemporary. It is a piece that rewards deep listening, offering new insights with every repeat. For fans of neoclassical, cinematic, or ambient music, Metamorphosis of Surroundings is not just a listening experience—it is a profound exploration of change, adaptation, and the endless possibilities of sound.
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