FONTANA, GIOVANNI - Epigenetic Poetry

"An anthology documenting the sound works by the Italian sound poet Giovanni Fontana (b. 1946). These pieces, dating from 1968 to 2014, are scarcely available; culled from cassette magazines and art-book compendiums, along with two unreleased recordings.Fontana has been a pioneer of Italian visual poetry, sound poetry, and experimental theater since the mid-1960s. Together with peer Adriano Spatola, Giovanni worked on the publication Tam Tam (founded in 1972). He also rode in the same wagon as Arrigo Lora-Totino, splicing, pasting, and folding the compass of Italy's intermedia. In one light, Fontana's voice erects a brutal and guttural effigy of man, primitive and hermetic. Yet, stepping to the side, one can see the thin strands of support bolstering such combustibles. As chested-strings of a piano, Fontana strikes firmly across the resonating spread of discovery and acceptance. In addition to voice; jaw-harp, guitar, whistle, piano, and harpsichord are featured in these recordings, though the musical elements are secondary to the voice. Mouth, throat, and even nose ['Poema a naso' features a microphone inserted in the nostril] take the stage-light.
The interconnection between Giovanni's visual and audio artwork is significant. Words twist and dissolve; blotted with ink, soaring across an empty score. This album acts as a frame for these 14 pieces, which can be seen as they are heard, spilling from speakers as letters meeting paper. First edition (315 copies) includes 16 page 9x9" pamplhet with 3 critical essays: "Hypervox and electrophonic mask" by Giovanni Fontana, "Giovanni Fontana: Poetry as Action and Sound" by Patrizio Peterlini, "Giovannis Adventures in Mediumland" by Jean-Pierre Bobillot. Color images (score excerpts, artwork, etc.) and Program Notes written by Fontana" - Recital.

"Fucking brilliant Sound Poetry rescue by Recital. Giovanni Fontana is a Sound Poet active from the late 60s right up to today. Epigenetic Poetry is a survey of his career and is really fantastic. The first nine pieces are from 1968- 1983 and the last five are from between 1993 and 2014. I got a little nervous when the newer stuff started as increased technology is usually a detrimental factor, but, no worries, the newer pieces are just as great as the old ones. This is top notch Sound Poetry with a lot of tape work and some instruments. Epigenetic Poetry is right up there with the best Alga Marghen Sound Poetry reissues. Anybody who is interested in Modern composition should be very interested in Sound Poetry. Comes with a beautiful and informative colour booklet. If you are unfamiliar with Sound Poetry, this would be a great place to dive in." - Scott Foust.