The Music Folder #13 Suzanne Ciani

Interview by Francesco Fusaro, 8/4/2024

The Music Folder is a talk series, curated by Archivio Storico Ricordi, which investigates the intersection of music, memory, and arts.

In this episode, we had the great pleasure of conversing with Suzanne Ciani, the renowned electronic music pioneer. A trailblazer in the world of modular synthesizers and sound design, Ciani's journey from a classical background to the vanguard of electronic music is discussed here with NTS Radio host, musician, and musicologist Francesco Fusaro.

Breaking the stereotype that electronic music is unfit for live performance, Ciani reminisced about her efforts to showcase electronic instruments on stage, addressed the significant topic of archiving and promoting women's contributions to music, and reflected on her initial reluctance to delve into her vault of unreleased tapes for Andy Votel's Finders Keepers label.

With a career spanning over five decades, Suzanne Ciani's pioneering work established a new paradigm. It proved electronic music's versatility in the studio and on stage and significantly shaped the landscape of modern sound. Episode realized in partnership with INNER_SPACES and San Fedele Musica.