Massimo Barbiero & Markus Stockhausen: Stoicheia

What followed the primordial om, the sound that many religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, associate with the creation of the universe? Om was not merely a sound, but also a profound vibration. Stoicheia, a term Aristotle used to describe the elements of earth, wind, fire and water, serves as the inspiration and name for this live performance by Massimo Barbiero and Markus Stockhausen. Together, they expand on Aristotle's classical elements, envisioning a fifth: ether.

Barbiero and Stockhausen are accomplished artists whose reputations precede them. Barbiero is the founder of Enten Eller, a versatile ensemble that can evolve into an orchestra, and the percussion group Odwalla, where he often integrates dancers into his performances. Stockhausen, the son of legendary composer Karlheinz Stockhausen, is an artist at home in diverse musical realms, ranging from free improvisation and orchestral music to electronic and ambient soundscapes.

This performance was recorded live in the garden of Villa Casana, situated within the Olivetti Historical Archive in Italy's Piedmont region. While the visual component of dancer Roberta Tirassa's movements cannot be experienced through the recording, her presence and the vibrations she contributed are deeply felt throughout the music.

To embody Aristotle's elements—vento (wind), terra (earth), acqua (water), and fuoco (fire)—as well as the added etere (ether), the musicians chose a sparse yet evocative dialogue between Barbiero's percussion and Stockhausen's trumpet and flugelhorn, enhanced by electronics. Stockhausen's horn weaves long, sustained notes that ripple like echoes through his use of delays and electronic effects, at times disguising the horn's timbre as a synthesizer. Barbiero, in contrast, employs minimalist percussion techniques, using brushes, mallets, bowls and subtle hand drumming to create textures that feel organic and timeless.

The duo's meditative interplay recalls the collaborations of Jon Hassell and Adam Rudolph, evoking a sense of reverence as they glide through the elements. The sound is contemplative, even prayerful, offering listeners a sonic journey that resonates with the vibrations of the natural world and the ether beyond.

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