Rycote Uncovered: Andrea Manzoni Immerses in Icelandic Wilderness for Qivittoq's Theatrical Sound Composition

Andrea Manzoni 

Award-winning Composer,

Musician

Sound Recordist

Andrea Manzoni, Milan-based award-winning composer, musician and sound recordist, ventures into the Icelandic wilderness to gather nature sounds for the sound design of 'Qivittoq.' This theatrical production paints a compelling dystopian love story set on the North Pole, in a world swiftly depleting its resources.

Equipped with 2 Rycote's HC-15 hypercardioid short shotgun microphones, Manzoni secured a 30-day residency in the remote town of Isafjordur, in the Westfjords. This immersive experience was aimed at capturing the raw environmental sounds that would infuse the production’s soundtrack with unparalleled authenticity, alongside his composition and production efforts.

Andrea, can you tell us about your recent expedition to Iceland and why did you decide to embark on this journey?

Andrea Manzoni: "One day, I received a call from Flavio Stroppini, the director behind the theatrical production, who asked me to compose the soundtrack for Qivittoq. Wanting to immerse myself in similar surroundings for the composition, I managed to secure a residency in Isafjordur, in the Westfjords, a 2000-people town by the sea. My primary motivation was to test my new audio equipment through field recording, and see how it would withstand the severe weather conditions, and, of course, the thrill of recording in untouched sound environments.” 

What did you want to achieve with this composition? 

Andrea Manzoni: “I am a so-called 'musician without barriers',so my primary motivation was certainly the desire to personally experience, without any filters, the sounds of the Island and weave them into my musical composition.

I wanted to create something that transcends classic composition. For this project, I aimed to use sounds as the main source of inspiration to write the music. In other words, I wanted to integrate the essence of nature into my composition on a profound level. This led me to incorporate natural sounds of waterfalls and strong wind as the musical reverb. The result was a purely organic auditory experience, without any artificial elements." 

What were the challenges you faced during this expedition?

Andrea Manzoni: “Recording in such a harsh environment was truly a challenge.

I grappled with extreme weather conditions such as 60 km per hour winds, sudden blizzards, and temperatures plunging to -35 degrees. Despite these harsh conditions, I had to find suitable locations for recording. Moreover, the unpredictability of the weather often meant that after a strenuous three-hour walk, I could only manage a five-minute recording due to an unexpected storm."

How important was the role of reliable audio equipment in this expedition?

Andrea Manzoni: Having The Rycote HC-15 shotgun microphones, paired with the Rycote InVision shock-mount and a windshield rain cover, was absolutely pivotal! I couldn't have done it without this equipment. The HC-15's hypercardioid pickup pattern allowed me to capture sounds that were very close to monophonic recording. During extreme weather conditions, the InVision high grip was invaluable. The microphone is not only robust but also lightweight, which is crucial when you're hiking for three hours in a snowstorm. Its sound depth is akin to an old school condenser, yet it has the lightness and versatility of a modern microphone. The windshield rain cover proved indispensable in the snow. I often use it when I need a dry surface to place my boom stand, otherwise it would sink into the five-metre deep snow.”

What makes Rycote products special to you? Can you share the advantages you've experienced using Rycote's equipment?

Andrea Manzoni: The role of reliable audio equipment in this expedition was absolutely crucial. High-quality, precise microphones are essential because often the sounds are very distant or out of reach. Listening through headphones as you record is an incredible experience, you can pick up on the subtle movements of ice and earth that you wouldn't normally hear. I embarked on 12 expeditions over 30 days and sometimes, after long, tiring walks, we had limited time to record. So, I needed a microphone that could be swiftly set up on site and start recording clear sound within seconds. The HC-15 did its job brilliantly. It's lightweight, portable, dependable, and held up well despite the harsh conditions it was subjected to!"

What impact do you hope your expedition will have?

Andrea Manzoni: " I aim to infuse my music with the unearthed sounds of our planet and demonstrate an innovative approach to sound design, pushing the limits of music and sound recording. This distinctive endeavour brings a fresh level of authenticity and immersion to 'Qivittoq,' heightening the listener's experience through the power of genuine sounds."

The soundtrack will be released in April, alongside a premier of the show to be hosted at the Teatro Sociale Bellinzona in Switzerland on the 11th April 2024, tickets available here: https://teatrosociale.ch/Qivittoq-40ed6500