Estudos de Xadrez (Chess Studies) is not only Thomas Berti's first full-length album, but also an exercise of translation and the development of a system through which the work emancipates itself from its creator.
Starting from the premise that there are things which one has no control over, Thomas decided to follow a musical path distinct from the one he was used to. If the traditional composition process imposed a significant block, it was in front of the chessboard that he found a way out. By taking a step back and freeing himself from preconceived convictions, he began to notice, during his musical and chess studies, a similarity of mathematical and logical patterns that relate (or at least could relate) with each other. This turning point captured his full attention, and finding a foundation for the bridge that would connect these two fields of study became his greatest goal. Thus, he created a series of rules and formulas to generate autonomous and independent music based on analyses of chess games. This project, of rational genesis and without any spark of his sensibility, matures as the musician drips his aesthetic perspective into each of the tracks. He finally understood that such “things” which one has no control over can be a source not of his affliction but of his hope. Different from everything he had ever done, Thomas gave a chance to the uncertain, saw its beauty, and embraced its results.
A document detailing the methodology, a list of the analyzed games and a spreadsheet for creating new studies is available for consultation and a deeper understanding of the project.
Production, mixing, graphic design and video by Thomas Berti. Mastering by OWLT. Released by LogoLogo.
Documentation: EN | PT