Postcards from Italy by Duo Bottasso

Postcards from Italy was born from a commission by Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam: the composition of a soundtrack for fifteen silent films shot in Italy at the beginning of the 20th century. In 2023, the musicians and brothers Nicolò and Simone Bottasso traveled by train across Italy to revisit the places depicted in those archival films, recording the sounds of the present and listening to the voices of those who live there today.

In the performance, sound fragments, voices, memories, field recordings, and testimonies merge with rare archival footage of Italy from a century ago and with the duo’s original compositions — blending folk, contemporary music, improvisation, and electronics into a personal, fluid, and powerful language. The world premiere at the Eye Filmmuseum will also mark the presentation of the new album Postcards from Italy, recorded by Duo Bottasso, and the release of the film featuring their original soundtrack on the Eye Film Player.

Musicians

Nicolò Bottasso – viool, viola d’amore, electronica, live visuals

Simone Bottasso – diatonische accordeon, electronics

Agnese Valmaggia – drums, live visuals

With the support of Norma Fonds,in collaboration with the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Amsterdam, thanks to the Istituto Ernesto de Martino, A.A.M.O.D. Archivio audiovisivo del Movimento Operaio e Democratico and C.R.I.C.D Regione Sicilia