Crafting Cinematic Soundscapes in Venice with Heart and Soul

In the heart of Venice, a city steeped in history and culture, Edoardo Gastaldi has forged a distinctive path as a discographic musician and film composer. With a foundation built on classical training and an ever-growing fascination for modern classical, ambient, and post-classical genres, Edoardo’s journey represents a seamless blend of tradition and innovation.

His compositions draw from Venetian heritage, blending historical influences with contemporary techniques to evoke Venice’s musical spirit. Edoardo’s work speaks to the universal human experience, and his music continues to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.

From Classical Roots to the Boundaries of Modern Sound

Edoardo’s relationship with music began naturally, even instinctively. Initially drawn to the piano at a young age, he honed his skills at "Il Pentagramma" in Venice, a classical music school that shaped his early musical development. “My love for music began organically—a spontaneous affection for melodies that deepened over time,” he recalled. “It started with a few notes, and before I knew it, music became my world.” After years of formal training, Edoardo found himself increasingly captivated by composition and began crafting his own melodies.

As his skills grew, so did his appreciation for the emotional depth that music can convey. “In my early days of composing, I was inspired by both the classics and more experimental figures in music,” he explained.

His current work is a reflection of that diverse influence, spanning genres like ambient, post-classical, drone, and film soundtrack music. Influences such as Johan Söderqvist, Yann Tiersen, and Jóhann Jóhannsson have guided his creative path, shaping his sound into something both evocative and unique.

“I’ve always admired composers who use music to tell a story, to add a layer of emotion to visual art,” Edoardo said. His fascination with film soundtracks grew naturally from this admiration. “Film scores have a unique way of sealing a scene in music, creating a lasting emotional impression,” he reflected. His compositions often carry an experimental edge, marrying complex harmonies with minimalism to evoke a rich array of emotions.

A Soundtrack for Social Reflection: Etilismo

One of Edoardo’s significant milestones came when he was approached to compose the soundtrack for Etilismo, a film that delves into the sensitive issue of chronic alcoholism in youth. Collaborating closely with director Giuseppe Messina and cinematographer Giacomo Guidotto, Edoardo was tasked with capturing the emotional weight of the film’s narrative, which balanced moments of tragedy with glimmers of lightheartedness.

“The music just came naturally,” Edoardo shared. “The tragic undertones of the story, combined with some moments of dark humor, shaped the music almost intuitively. It felt like the canvas was already prepared, and my role was to sketch it out with the music I was writing.” The result was a deeply evocative soundtrack that perfectly complemented the film’s tone, underscoring the raw emotional energy of the characters’ struggles with addiction. Edoardo credits the collaborative team behind Etilismo for laying the foundation for what has become an ongoing and fruitful creative partnership.

Conveying Emotion Through Sound: Quadrifogli and Nothing Disappears

Edoardo’s approach to music composition is grounded in a commitment to evoke deep emotions. His works such as Quadrifogli and Nothing Disappears are prime examples of his philosophy: to create music that speaks directly to the heart.

“I approach music composition like writing a personal letter,” he explained. “Each piece is like sending a postcard to a single person—an intimate conversation about emotions, philosophies, and moments of human experience.” For Edoardo, each musical composition is an exploration of life’s transient moments. Whether it’s the subtle beauty of Quadrifogli, which was released under PaKo Music Records, or the layered complexity of Nothing Disappears—a collaboration with his colleague Oleg under the moniker Cloud Opacity—Edoardo’s work reflects his desire to explore human fragility, paradoxes, and the complexities of existence.

“Music should be a reflection of life itself, capturing fleeting emotions and profound moments,” he added. His compositions serve as a space to reflect on personal experiences, while simultaneously inviting the listener into a shared emotional journey. This ability to convey emotional depth through sound is what has set Edoardo’s music apart, creating a lasting connection with listeners.

2024: A Year of Milestones and New Beginnings

Looking back at 2024, Edoardo reflects on a year filled with accomplishments. “2024 was a year of unexpected milestones,” he said, highlighting his collaboration with several major networks and record labels, as well as the opportunities that saw his music featured in theaters, bars, and intimate venues. “What began as a personal exploration of composition has now reached over a million streams globally,” he proudly shared. Through these platforms, Edoardo has gained a worldwide following, thanks in part to his striking ability to blend film scores with contemporary genres.

As 2025 approaches, Edoardo is excited about the future. He plans to push the boundaries of his craft even further with collaborative projects. Among these, he is particularly excited about working with artists like Jay Brewer, Michael Schacht (known as Metric System 1981), Philippe Deschamps, and Eben Vogel. Together, they plan to experiment with new creative approaches in the realm of music and sound.

But Edoardo’s future isn’t just about collaboration. His commitment to film scoring is as strong as ever. He looks forward to continuing his work with film companies, producing original soundtracks that bring new perspectives and emotional depth to the world of cinema. “I see myself as a part of something bigger,” he reflected. “It’s like standing on a beach where waves come and go. Some things are good, and some things are bad, but you have to keep breathing and keep going, knowing that it’s all part of the process.”

The Path Ahead: Embracing Creativity and Empathy

For Edoardo, the journey of music composition is more than just about creating sound—it’s about connecting with others on a deeply human level. As he moves forward, he remains focused on developing his sound and pushing creative boundaries. “The most important thing for me is empathy,” he explained. “Being able to understand others is key to being a good composer. Music is not just about technical skill—it’s about telling stories and pointing people to the small, beautiful things in life.”

Through his music, Edoardo Gastaldi continues to demonstrate the power of sound to capture the essence of emotion and experience. With each composition, he invites listeners to share in the human story, experiencing life’s beauty and complexity through the universal language of music. As his career evolves, one thing remains certain—his music continues to inspire and move people across the world.