A Symphony of Noise

"A Symphony of Noise" is an enthralling and mesmerizing documentary film from the year 2021, with the innovative composer and musician, Matthew Herbert, at its center. Directed by Enrique Sánchez Lansch, this unique exploration of sound and music is a demonstration of Herbert's experimental approach to composition and it engages audiences with a fresh perspective on the role of everyday sounds in music creation.

Deeply atmospheric and insightful, "A Symphony of Noise" is a sheer immersion into the philosophy and methodology of Matthew Herbert, who is widely known for his extraordinary use of everyday and unconventional sounds in his compositions. As one of the most innovative figures in contemporary music, Herbert not only reinvents music but challenges the conventional understandings and notions of what constitutes music and sounds. His audacious interaction with everyday, mundane sounds transforms them into unique symphonic opportunities.

In this documentary film, we delve into Herbert's fascinating world, journeying with him through his creative process and theoretical approach. The filmmaker artfully sketches the portrait of a visionary artist who doesn't let physical boundaries limit his musical imagination. Lansch achieves this by incorporating intimate interviews, live performances, studio recording sessions, and also a plethora of archival footage.

"A Symphony of Noise" gradually unfolds Matthew Herbert’s artistic ingenuity to his audience. The documentary treats Herbert’s compositions as a character in themselves, presenting a variety of sounds that the audience would otherwise overlook. Herbert, with his inventive techniques, creates symphonies out of these often ignored sounds. From the rustling of leaves to the humming of refrigerators, to the bustling sounds of a city street, he transforms these environmental noises into intricate compositions, privileging them to the realm of art.

The film's artistic direction complements its introspective nature as it invites viewers to appreciate the surrounding soundscapes, making one aware of the musical potential of day-to-day ambient sounds. Engaging recreations and slick graphics are used throughout the movie to visualize these sounds that Matthew is drawn to.

Moreover, "A Symphony of Noise" explores not only Herbert's artistic journey but also his socially engaged stance. Matthew Herbert perceives sounds as carriers of socio-political meaning and this is explicitly showcased throughout the film. Touching upon the broader implications of socio-political sounds, the documentary compels its viewers to reconsider their relationship with sound and the role it plays in connecting us to our environment.

"A Symphony of Noise" is as much of a sensory experience as it is a thoughtful exploration of an artist's world. Audiences will be compelled by Herbert's philosophy about the universality of sounds, their emotive potential, and their ability to chronicle the course of human life, values, and struggles. As a documentation of a remarkable artist's life and as a testament to the power of innovative thinking in art, "A Symphony of Noise" is a fascinating and thought-provoking cinematic journey.

Enrique Sánchez Lansch does an excellent job at portraying Herbert's defining moments, thoughts, and the soundscapes he encounters. The intimate and sensitive shooting style chosen by Lansch allows Herbert's idiosyncratic musical process to breathe and evolve on screen, generating a breathtaking experience that blurs the boundaries between Documentary and Art film.

"A Symphony of Noise" invites viewers to be a part of an unheard symphony of our everyday lives, to open their ears to the music in noise, the rhythm in disorder, and melody in chaos. With Matthew Herbert leading the way, it is a fascinating reminder of the beautiful symphony that life is, should we only pause to listen. This film is an experience, a revelation, and a concert all in one, marking it as a must-watch for lovers of music, art and soundscapes alike.