OJP083 : Alessandro Ciccarelli - Cristian Maddalena / Spiritual Exercises for a Young Unsui

 

Cover art by Alessandro Ciccarelli

OJP083: Alessandro Ciccarelli - Cristian Maddalena / Spiritual Exercises for a Young Unsui

Eleven improvisations for trombone and shamisen (a Japanese three-stringed instrument) form the spiritual exercises through which Ciccarelli and Maddalena explore fragments of melodies, timbral textures, and onomatopoeic sounds enriched by instrumental preparations.

The interaction between the two instruments unfolds in a delicate balance of analogies and contrasts, where the trombone and shamisen engage in a dialogue that oscillates between introspection and dynamism. This relationship creates a mutable sonic landscape, blending references to tradition with gestures of daring experimentation. Each track offers a profound and unpredictable listening experience, inviting the audience to embark on a sonic journey that delves into the intimate connections and creative tensions between the two instruments.

The word "Unsui" (literally meaning "clouds and water" in Japanese) is closely associated with Zen Buddhism and refers to itinerant monks or novices on their path to spiritual enlightenment.

The metaphor of "clouds and water" evokes a state of constant motion and transformation, free from attachment, like clouds drifting across the sky or water flowing through rivers—embodying the principle of impermanence and detachment. Similarly, the music of Ciccarelli and Maddalena in Spiritual Exercises for a Young Unsui unfolds as a continuous flow, exploring sonic territories that dissolve and reassemble in an unpredictable and profoundly evocative dialogue.

Alessandro Ciccarelli: trombone, tuba

Cristian Maddalena: shamisen
Composed and performed live by Alessandro Ciccarelli and Cristian Maddalena

Mixed and mastered by Alessandro Ciccarelli and Cristian Maddalena
Cover photo by Alessandro Ciccarelli

Alessandro Ciccarelli, trombone, tuba:

Organizer of sounds, trombonist, and electronic musician. Over the years, he has performed in various musical settings, spanning across genres, in both small and large ensembles, performing in Italy and abroad. In recent years, he has focused his research primarily on open and aleatoric forms, improvisation in electronic and electroacoustic music.
He carries out electronic experimentation in solo with the nom de plume Elnath Project.
He has also shared and shares paths with Giovanni Di Cosimo, Theo Jörgensmann, Alessandro Sbordoni, Massimiliano Viel, Gabby Fluke-Mogul, Roy Paci, Barbara De Dominicis, Eva Grieco, Oshima Koshiro, Damāvand, Tetsuroh Konishi, Milena Punzi Anfossi and many other known and less known reckless experimenters of sound.

Cristian Maddalena, shamisen:

Composer and performer who blends tradition and innovation, specializing in Japanese kabuki theater music and live electronics. A shamisen player and vocal and physical experimenter, he explores sonic and theatrical languages to create works that bridge East and West.
Collaborations include: Marco Colonna, Fabrizio Spera, Steve Baczkowski, Denis Doufur, Barbara de Dominicis, Elio Martusciello, Lamberto Pignotti, Antonio Rezza.

Digital release on the 21st of November 2025.

Track listing:

1: Exercise 1

to

11: Exercise 11

There is a limited cassette edition of the album for 10€.

Writte at: aleciccarelli@gmail.com

Itunes, Apple Music, Deezer, etc.:

https://bfan.link/spiritual-exercises-for-a-young-unsui

And on Bandcamp: