A SOLO MULTIMEDIA CONCERT
on the 700th anniversary of the death of
MARCO POLO
Marco Polo, born in Venice around 1254, was a Venetian explorer and merchant whose travels are chronicled in his famous book, “Il Milione” or “The Travels of Marco Polo.” At the age of 17, he embarked on an epic journey with his father and uncle, traveling along the Silk Road to the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol ruler of China.
Over the next 24 years, Marco Polo traversed vast expanses of Asia, encountering diverse cultures, landscapes, and civilizations. His accounts provided Europe with detailed descriptions of the East, including China, Persia, India, and other regions, offering insights into their customs, riches, and wonders.
Upon returning to Venice in 1295, Marco Polo became a prominent figure in the city’s politics and even found himself in conflict with Genoa during a naval battle. He was eventually captured and imprisoned during the Venetian-Genoan War, where he narrated his incredible experiences to a fellow prisoner, Rustichello da Pisa.
“The Travels of Marco Polo,” became one of the most influential travel narratives of the Middle Ages. His work not only provided Europeans with a glimpse into the mysteries of the East but also influenced later explorers and navigators, including Cristoforo Colombo.
Marco Polo’s legacy endures as a symbol of curiosity, courage, and the spirit of exploration that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.
In this musical odyssey, Andrea Centazzo brings Marco Polo’s narrative to life through pulsating rhythms and captivating visuals. The title “Imaginary Travel” refers to the attempt to recreate the stages of the long journey of the Venetian merchant-explorer.
In the heart of this performance lies the fusion of live percussion and electronic sounds, complemented by original visuals crafted by Centazzo himself. It’s more than a concert; it’s a living tapestry that unravels the remarkable journey of Marco Polo.
Andrea Centazzo, a master of percussion and electronic composition and a skilled video maker, brings decades of innovation to the stage. His dedication to pushing artistic boundaries is reflected in “Imaginary Travel.”
As the performance begins, envision a sonic journey. The percussion becomes a dynamic storyteller, echoing the historical pulse of Marco Polo’s adventures. The beats transport the audience across time and space, creating an immersive atmosphere following the stages of Marco Polo journey. The electronic elements seamlessly intertwine with the live percussion, offering a contemporary twist to the historical narrative. It’s a sonic alchemy that captivates, surprises, and connects with the audience on a profound level.
Behind Centazzo, a visual narrative unfolds. Original footage, shot by the artist himself, along with clips from films inspired by Marco Polo captures the essence of Marco Polo’s travels. The visuals are not just a backdrop; they are storytellers, enriching the connection between the audience and the performance. The music and images follow the Silk Road reaching the Middle Eastern Acri, the magic Samarkand, the court of Kublai Khan and then Sumatra, India, Istanbul and finally Venice.
“Imaginary Travel” means embracing a celebration of exploration, a musical and visual homage to one of history’s greatest adventurers. It’s an opportunity to curate an unforgettable experience that entertains, educates, and immerses the audience in the wonders of Marco Polo’s world.
