Sven Helbig (D)
28/04/2025
I Eat the Sun and Drink the Rain for choir and electronics
Sven Helbig (1968) is a German composer known for his innovative fusion of classical music with electronic elements. His work often explores complex themes, incorporating a wide range of influences, from orchestral traditions to electronic sound synthesis. His music frequently features orchestral and choral works but also embraces the experimental possibilities of live electronics, percussion, and sound manipulation. This versatility has led him to collaborate with a broad range of artists, including renowned classical ensembles as well as pop artists. One of his major works is Eat the Sun and Drink the Rain, presented in a concert on April 28 at the Auditorium San Fedele. It combines choral music with electronic soundscapes, bridging the gap between classical music and electronics with delicate choral arrangements that harmonize with the pulsating sounds of the synthesizer. The composer himself describes the piece as “a poetic journey in search of humanity.” The cycle of ten pieces ranges from the religious Kyrie Eleison to Leopardi’s L’Infinito, and to modern reflections on the human soul as part of nature. Each episode portrays humans seeking a space for salvation, contemplating nature, and immersing themselves in deep spirituality. For the live concerts, the musical part is accompanied by the images of Icelandic video artist Máni M. Sigfússon.