CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE PRINCIPLES OF SPECTRALISM AND EASTERN SPIRITUALITY THROUGH THE FIGURE OF GIACINTO SCELSI

Abstract

During the second half of the 20th century, there was a growing interest in delving into the inner nature of sound, a technical and aesthetic shift most faithfully embraced by composers associated with spectralism. Giacinto Scelsi is regarded as a key precursor to this paradigm shift. Artistically frustrated by the limitations of serialism in channeling his creative sensitivity, he found in meditation and Hindu spirituality a new approach to sound. The connections between the spectral attitude and Eastern metaphysics are present not only in Scelsi’s work but also in that of other composers who drew significant inspiration from his ideas, revealing the profound philosophical and poetic dimensions of his exploration of sound and time.

Keywords: Scelsi, spirituality, spectralism, East, sound, composition.