Caterina Barbieri

Caterina Barbieri is an Italian composer and musician known for her pioneering work with modular synthesizers, creating intricate, minimalist compositions that explore the relationship between sound, time, and consciousness. Born in Bologna in 1990, Barbieri studied classical guitar and electroacoustic music, developing a deep interest in the use of repetition and sequencing in her work. Her music often features hypnotic, evolving patterns that invite listeners into meditative, immersive soundscapes, making her one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary electronic music.Barbieri's approach to music is deeply rooted in the minimalist tradition, with influences ranging from classical minimalism to modern electronic experimentation. Her compositions are often built around carefully crafted repetitive structures, exploring how small changes in texture, tone, or rhythm can create profound shifts in perception. By using modular synthesizers, Barbieri is able to engage with sound in a direct, tactile way, which allows her to experiment with the physical and emotional effects of sound on the listener.Her 2019 album, Ecstatic Computation, garnered widespread critical acclaim for its complex, yet deeply emotive compositions. The album's blend of rigorous mathematical structures with lush, transcendent soundscapes reflects Barbieri's ability to balance intellectual depth with emotional resonance. Her work has been praised for pushing the boundaries of electronic music, creating a space where technology and human experience meet in profound ways.Barbieri has performed at major international festivals such as Berlin Atonal, Unsound, and the Barbican, and her recordings continue to inspire a new generation of electronic musicians. Her explorations of repetition, perception, and the modular synth have established her as a leading figure in the avant-garde electronic music scene, where she continues to push the limits of sound and form.