This classically trained Italian musician has been studying violin since she was five. She graduated from the Conservatory of music of Verona in 2006 and by the time she was in her thirties she'd expanded her horizons by incorporating jazz and experimental avenues which included founding a violin-drums-piano trio called Le Maschere di Clara.
Following these collaborations, 'Fireflies' is her debut solo work comprising eleven original compositions. It was recorded live in a studio with a looper allowing her to accompany herself.
There's a seemingly effortless simplicity and beauty to these richly melodious instrumental pieces. As is so often the case with string instruments, they inspire a melancholy and reflective mood. Ten relatively short tracks include two - Strings and Mahir - with a distinctive flavour that were inspired by Arabic tuning.
The undoubted album highlight is a closing 10 minute piece called The Forest composed while observing the movement of tree branches and which incorporates field recordings of nature made for an art project in collaboration with Elena Crisanti. It is recorded at 432 hz, a frequency said to be in perfect harmony with the universe thus associated with cosmic healing powers. It's easy to believe this after experiencing the immersive power of this truly outstanding minimalist composition. It left this listener feeling sorry that more of the record wasn't on the same wavelength.
