Ictus plays Fabio Machiavelli | Micro Breaths of a Blue Lung

„First we shape our tools and then they shape us.“ (John M. Culkin) In Machiavellis work (re-)shaping is a key. For several years now, the core of his artistic activity is related to new lutherie, DIY practices as compositional processes, the development of new instruments as alternative sound surfaces and its implications — like so many composers of his generation. In that sense the instrumental apparatuses, the objects, technologies and concepts he creates unfold a potential as active participants in a transformative musical practice. Micro Breaths of a Blue Lung engages with the vocal, percussive, and resonant dimensions of large marine mammals. The piece, a large 45-minute architecture composed of numerous miniatures, is an investigation into the timbral characteristics of cetaceans sounds which echo back within his instrumental devices. During the concert the instruments are brought to life in interaction with the performers, but they can also be approached at times before and after the concert as stand-alone objects, unfolding an independent sonic existence. Programme Fabio Machiavelli, Micro Breath of a Blue Lung (2026)