Caterina Barbieri - Patterns Of Conciousness Caterina Barbieri

Patterns of Consciousness is the second full-length album from analogue synth composer Caterina Barbieri. Rich analogue textures and algorithmic melodies unfold in pieces that are minimal in arrangement but expansive in sound. Recommended for fans of Alessandro Cortini and Eleh.

Working exclusively with an Indexed Quad Sequencer and a Harmonic Oscillator, Barbieri starts with a small set of pitches and note lengths, then adds, subtracts and shifts elements to create interlocking patterns. Using additive synthesis, rapid progressions, wide melodic leaps and intricate delays, she draws the illusion of counterpoint from a single oscillator. The technique owes something to her love of Baroque lute music, where fast arpeggios can give the impression of sustained chords.

Each piece is built to evolve from its initial sequencer instructions. Pitch, velocity and rhythmic accents shift gradually but persistently. At the heart of the process is the gate, which Barbieri uses to pick out fragments of the oscillator’s rich spectrum, turning a continuous electrical signal into distinct pulses and melodies.

The album draws on emerging machine intelligence, the human impulse to recognise patterns and the idea, found in Indian classical music, that sound can set processes in motion. Each recording captures one possible outcome of a system that could keep changing. As patterns repeat, the ear learns where to settle; when a pattern shifts, it can change how the whole piece is heard.

“The layered nature of consciousness and the relativity of perception are some of the biggest secrets we can experience through sound.” — Caterina Barbieri