tav-e
TAV-E - Acousmatic (stereo)
Year: 2024
TAV-E is a musical work that winds between vocal narration, dance, video and electronics, coming to life from the ancient words engraved in the Eugubine Tablets, precious documents that preserve the rituals and traditions of Umbrian civilization. The seven bronze tablets were found in the area of Gubbio's Roman theatre around the midd- le of the 15th century: Gabrielli in 1581 places the finding in the year 1444, but the only certain document is the notarial deed of 1456 by which the Municipality of Gubbio purchased the tablets from a certain Presentina, who had found them. They are bronze castings made with the "lost wax" method (Agostiniani 2010) to preserve ancient texts preserved in the archives of the Atiedia confraternity, which until then must have been copied on perishable material (cloth, skins, leaves, wood).
The texts are extracted, from two of the seven existing tables; the first segment can be found in the second tablet (II section b), which dates back to the beginning of the 2nd century b.C. and nar-rates about the "Sacrifices of the Decade meetings". The other two segments can be read in the sixth tablet (VI section a), which dates back to the beginning of the 1st century b.C. and concerns the "Purification of the Eugubine community."
This piece aims to bring to life the words carved in the plates, translating their meaning through the harmonious fusion of electronics, acoustic sounds and alternative object sounds. The work is divided into three main sections, each with its own atmosphere and musical narration:
1. Ritual Formula: This’s the first scene and the atmosphere becomes dark and intense. Electronically processed percussion sounds create a tense and vibrant sound carpet, emphasising the drama and urgency of the prayer.
2. Sacrifice to “Giove Grabovio”: The second section culminates in the sacrifice to Giove Grabovio. The music becomes rhythmic and pressing, punctuated by beats that evoke the rhythm of the heart and the fervor of sacri- fice. The Table comes to life and emerges from its original body, only to return to its original state. The narrative is interwoven with electronics sound and rhythmic, creating a crescendo of tension and emotion, culminating in an act of devotion and hope.
3. Sacrificial Rite: The third section introduces the audience to the sacrificial rite, a solemn and ritualistic mo- ment. Vocal narration guides the audience through the steps of the ritual, accompanied by a delicate mix of electronic sounds, cello melodies, and minimal, delicate gestures. The atmosphere is light and relaxed, evoking the sacredness and calm of the ritual.
TAV-E is not just a trip into ancient Umbrian traditions, but a sensory experience that fuses past and pre- sent, sacred and profane, through a contemporary and engaging artistic language.