Aether Ventus by Cláudio de Pina & Andrew Levine

Aether Ventus is an album that explores the intersection of historical and modern musical techniques. The album features Cláudio de Pina on the Portuguese historical organ (1792) of Ajuda's church, using his own extended techniques developed specially for this instrument, intertwined with the electronic sounds and menagerie of Andrew Levine's unique modular synths and theremin.

Pina and Levine endeavour for a new element, which in their imagination constitutes a mix of wood, metal and wind —Ventus—, with electricity and electromagnetism —Aether—. The result is a unique soundscape that blends the traditional and the contemporary, creating a sonic journey that transports the listener to new realms. Through the use of ambisonics, the album creates a three-dimensional sound field that immerses the listener in the music, allowing them to experience the full range of the organ and electronics sounds.

Aether Ventus it is also a celebration of the centenary of Hungarian composer György Ligeti and his avant-garde legacy. Inspired by Ligeti's use of clusters of notes and unconventional music notation and rhythms, this album explores the intersection of contemporary classical music and electronic soundscapes. Through the fusion of organ and electronics, the album aims to create a unique sonic experience that pays homage to Ligeti's innovative spirit.

The album is a testament to Ligeti's enduring influence on contemporary music and his legacy as one of the most important avant-garde composers of the 20th century.

Tonmeister VDT, Thereminist, Continuum player and Filmmaker

theremin.andrewlevine.info