Sino at St Hippolyt Chapel, May 24th till June 2nd 2024 in Lana, Italy, as part of the exhibition ‘Ritual Rhythms: Modern Practices, Ancient Echoes’ during LanaLive. Under the theme Rethinking Rituals, the event dedicates itself to exploring and reflecting on the evolution of traditional rituals. The festival invites participants to discover new perspectives on customs and habits alongside artists, scholars, and representatives of traditional associations like the Lana Civic Band.
Photo’s by Flyle
The sound sculpture Sino is a bell tower where a single bronze bell is engaged via an electronic transducer / resonator. Using a resonator instead of a clapper to engage the bell is a very different technique. A strike of the clapper brings out the entire spectrum of harmonics as a result of the bell’s shape (the tuning), giving us a rich bell sound with a typical short attack / long delay envelope. With the resonator, although the frequency palette is still limited by the tuning and the harmonics present in the bell, we can pinpoint and bring out a single resonant frequency and engage it for as long as we like. This way we can deconstruct the harmonic qualities of the bell into single frequencies and from that build a new soundscape with multiple layers of different timbres. Sino is a collaboration with Rob Bothof.
In western culture, the bell initially had a crucial function as a call for alarm or a signal indicating the closing of city gates. In Sino the bell is placed upside down resembling a singing bowl. Often used in Eastern rituals, singing bowls are also known as ‘standing bells’ or ‘resting bells’. In Sino the bell does not signal an alarm or a call for action, but as a ‘resting bell’ it becomes an instrument for inner reflection, a call for contemplation, within the surrounding architecture. Read more
The St. Hippolyt church crowns the rocky hilltop of St. Hippolyt in Naraun/Narano, above Lana and is visible from afar. The church’s first documents date back to 1288, but it might be probably older, because of its rare patron saint.
Saint Hippolyt was venerated as the patron of the weather. Ringing the bells during thunderstorms were once part of the duty of the sacristan in Naraun. Due to the exposed location of the church, however, lightning strikes occurred time and again. Since the 17th century, no fewer than six deaths during weather ringing have been recorded in the parish’s death register, which is why the little church was given the nickname “Zum bösen Segen” (to the evil blessing). Location: maps.google.com
Traditions in Transition
In a times of change, LanaLive raises questions on the meaning and evolution of traditions in our society. In an era marked by rapid social and technological progress, questions arise about the preservation and reorientation of traditions. LanaLive provides a space for reflection and discourse through a diverse program of music, visual art, performances, lectures, and discussions. Participants are encouraged to question the significance of rituals in contemporary society and explore potential future scenarios.
Ritual Rhythms: Modern Practices, Ancient Echoes
“Ritual Rhythms: Modern Practices, Ancient Echoes” immerses visitors in the evolving landscape of ritual practices in an era of technological change and societal transformation. Set against the backdrop of LanaLive Festival’s exploration of rituals and their significance in contemporary society, this exhibition offers a curated journey through various artistic interpretations of ritual experiences.
With thanks to Hannes Egger and Annika Terwey.