Acoustical Visions of the Acqua Vergine in Rome

by

Bill Fontana

The digital movies shown on this page are part of the research and production of a new permanent sound sculpture for the entrance hall of MAXXI in Rome called Sonic Mappings that opened on October 23, initially as part of a new exhibition called Open Museum, Open City. These Acoustical Visions were made at some of the sites in Rome where I was making audio recordings for Sonic Mappings and now part of the permanent collection of MAXXI.

 

The historic underground tunnel below the Villa Medici and the Spanish Steps where the Acqua Vergine has been perpetually flowing for over 2000 years.

 

Parnassus Fountain at Villa Medici
Acqua Vergine Spring Source at Salone

 

Mystical Flowing Spring near the source of the Acqua Vergine in Salone

Vertically Shifting Reeds near the source of the Acqua Vergine in Salone

 

Gravitational Droplets at a fountain in the Villa Medici
Small water stream in the Niobe and Her Children fountain in the Villa Medici

 
Acqua Vergine water flowing from a Nazone
Acqua Vergine entering the Trevi Fountain