The video captures a live modular synthesizer performance by Hélène Vogelsinger, Slow Returning, from Forgotten Futures.
Forgotten Futures is a seven-episode series and exploration of the Balkans. Slow Returning marks the fifth chapter of this journey, filmed in the heights of Gradski Park, overlooking Kavadarci in the Tikveš Valley of southern North Macedonia.
Here’s what Vogelsinger has to say about it:
“Here, ancient stories intertwine with the echoes of battles, the aspirations, and the disillusionments of a bygone era. It is a perpetual tension between what once was and what could yet be—a journey toward an undefined future, shaped by the lessons of history and the unfulfilled promises of a new dawn.
Each episode of Forgotten Futures invites us to rediscover these overlooked narratives, uncovering buried memories scattered across the mountains and valleys of the Balkans.”
This video, via Minneapolis-based synthesist Midera, captures a live ambient improvisation for Fender Rhodes piano and Kawai SX-240.
The Rhodes & synth pad combination may bring to mind some of the ’70s/’80s recording of Vangelis, for some. Midera takes things in a different direction, though, creating a soundscape that’s probably more influenced by the recordings of Budd, Eno & Lanois.
Check it out and share your thoughts in the comments!
Technical Details:
Fender Rhodes piano & Kawai SX-240, with Fractal Audio FM3 for reverb and delay.
Composer & synthesist Eric Mouquet (Deep Forest) shared this live improvisation, October Melody, on the Haken Continuum.
The Haken Continuum is a unique synthesizer that’s designed to provide the same level of responsiveness as traditional orchestral instruments.
The Continuum uses EaganMatrix, a powerful modular synthesis platform developed by Edmund Eagan, as its synth engine. This is the same platform used by Expressive E for its Osmose synthesizer.
