Fanal Exposition
When I was invited to compose the cinematic music for the Fanal Exposition in Amsterdam, I knew I wanted to create something deeply immersive – something that would transport visitors into another ethereal world. This wasn’t just about making a soundtrack; it was about creating an atmosphere, an emotional landscape that would merge seamlessly with the stunning visuals of the exhibition.
Sound has always had the power to shift perception. It can elevate a moment, awaken memories, or stir emotions we didn’t expect to feel. My goal was to compose a score that wouldn’t just sit in the background but would breathe with the exhibition, drawing people deeper into the essence of the art, much like a film score enriches a story.
Fanal: An Ode To The Ephemeral
Step into the world of Fanal, a realm suspended between reality and dreams. Amid twisting, ancient laurel trees, a quiet presence leads us through the veiled rhythms of this timeless place, moving in harmony with the mist and branches to reveal nature’s silent soul and fleeting beauty. The atmosphere is thick with mystery and nostalgia, evoking emotions that transcend the ordinary perception of landscapes.
Told in three parts, the collection unfolds like a “deconstructed film,” with black-and-white photographs forming cinematic frames, accompanied by my 15-minute orchestral soundscape by me. Together, they tell a story of existence, time, and the deep connection between humanity and nature. Each section marks a subtle shift in light, mood, and movement, pulling viewers into a contemplative journey.
Debuting in 2024 at the Nio House Gallery in Amsterdam, the exhibition featured photographs captured in a single day in May at the Fanal forest in Madeira, Portugal. These images capture the timeless, ephemeral beauty of nature, inviting viewers to reflect on the passage of time. The mist-laden trees, the interplay of shadow and light, and the surreal silence of the location add layers of depth to the experience. The exhibition immersed visitors in a sensory world where sound and image wove a unified narrative.
Photography by Felix Morrison, Music by Kaspar Noé, Curated & Modeled by Ylenia Asaro
The Creative Process
My inspiration for this soundscape stemmed from my experiences at The Concertgebouw Amsterdam, where I have been deeply moved by orchestral performances. I wanted to craft a musical world primarily built around strings, natural ambiance, and choral textures – designed to mirror the three phases of the forest’s lifecycle, and by extension, our own.
One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that the music didn’t overwhelm the delicate, atmospheric quality of the photography. Instead, it needed to complement and enhance the visual experience, guiding the audience through an auditory journey that felt organic and immersive. To achieve this I layered soft string textures, distant choral harmonies, echoing the melancholic mystery of the imagery. Subtle nature ambience recordings added a sense of movement, mimicking the unseen force of the wind weaving through the branches.
To capture the grandeur and depth of the exhibition, I incorporated sweeping tutti string sections and individual section melodies interwoven with ambient textures. The result was a dynamic, evocative score that shifted in tone as visitors moved through the space – leading them through moments of reflection, wonder, and inspiration. Silence was just as vital as sound; the breakdowns within the composition allowed the images to breathe, giving the audience time to absorb the profound beauty of each frame. The cinematic soundscape was designed to take listeners on an emotional journey, encouraging them to drift through their own thoughts and the vast, dreamlike world of Fanal.
The Impact Of The Music Composition
As the exposition unfolded, it was deeply rewarding to witness how visitors responded to the music. Seeing how sound shaped their engagement with the art reaffirmed my belief that the right score has the power to transform an experience. The cinematic quality of the compositions added a narrative element, helping to tell the story behind each piece while fostering a fully immersive atmosphere. Many expo attendees remarked on how the music really enhanced the feeling of the photographs, creating an almost meditative state.
Beyond the exhibition itself, this project was a deeply personal exploration of the relationship between sound and its space. Crafting a score that complemented such a story of photo’s reinforced my belief in the profound synergy between music and visual art. It reminded me that music is not just a background element but a powerful storytelling tool that can evoke memory, emotion, and a deep sense of place.
Final Thoughts
Being part of the Final Exposition in Amsterdam was an unforgettable experience. Contributing to a space where artists and audiences connect across multiple sensory dimensions was both a privilege and an inspiration. It reaffirmed my appreciation for the magic that happens when different art forms interact, creating something far greater than the sum of their parts.
For those who attended, I hope the music resonated with you and enriched your journey through the exposition. And for those who couldn’t be there, I hope to share this composition in a way that allows you to experience a piece of that experience, no matter where you are. Whether through future exhibitions, recorded performances, or new collaborations, I am eager to continue exploring the boundless potential of cinematic music in storytelling and art.
Composing for Fanal has deepened my appreciation for the intricate interplay between nature, time, and emotion – an appreciation that I will carry forward into all my future creative endeavors.
