From Luigi Blesio’s collection. Curated by Flavio Dassenno.

The exhibition of Eastern and African musical instruments, assembled by the passionate Brescian collector Luigi Blesio throughout his extensive travels, serves as a living testament to the Renaissance motto: “Rendo lieti in un tempo gli occhi e il core” (“I gladden at once both eyes and heart”), famously inscribed on a Venetian harpsichord.

Beyond the undeniable visual allure found in the exquisite craftsmanship (the refined silhouettes, intricate carvings, and opulent inlays), this collection invites the public to engage their imagination and enter a deeper realm: their world of sound.

In the West, sound is often bound to the earthly performance of music. Conversely, in the East and across Africa, the vibration of a string or the breath of an ethnic flute is recognized as a primordial movement, the very spark of the cosmos. Unlike Western thought, which thrives on conceptual abstractions, the philosophy of sound in these regions focuses on inner resonance, a connection to the created world, and lived experience. Here, rhythm and life are inextricably linked. Sound is not merely entertainment; it is the expression of humanity immersed in the mystery of the infinite.

Authentic Eastern and African musical traditions emphasize a “fourfold transformation”: art and sound must recreate and inhabit the acoustic forces of nature itself, the rush of the wind, the roar of thunder, or the resonance of volcanic eruptions. Legends abound regarding sound as the birth of the universe and, consequently, the origin of every tone in existence.

While we are seldom taught to “enter” into sound, Eastern cultures have practiced this for millennia. They still distinguish between the audible and the inaudible, following cosmological theories that explore sound in its purest, most ancient, and mysterious form.

In these traditions, sonic exploration is a means, not an end. It is not a consumerist or hedonistic practice, but one deeply rooted in spiritual discipline, such as yoga and meditation, or the celebration of communal rituals. It acts as a bridge between the individual and the cosmic order, between the visible and the invisible. Both traditions treat sound as a potent, living force that binds the individual to the community and the divine.

From a collection of approximately 300 pieces, we have selected several core groups representing the most significant instrument families from the vast heritage of Asia and Africa. This exhibition briefly outlines the origin and scope of the collection, while highlighting the marvelous, eclectic use, both sacred and profane, of these instruments within their cultural contexts, following the cultural vision that Mercanteinfiera continues to champion year after year.

This exhibition is dedicated to Fabrizio Cassano, who left us before seeing its completion. His spirit remains an integral part of everything you see here.