Musical Journey
Musical Journey
What does music mean to Norberto? Describe your relationship with music.
Music is a warm bath to my soul━an emotional experience that shaped my life. I consider myself fortunate to have played music since childhood, an opportunity that continues to enrich me. The intricate layers of a musical piece draw me in, much like the artistic depth found in architecture and writing. At their core, all artistic expressions share a creative process━an exploration of structure, balance, and emotion. Music has been my gateway to understanding and connecting with other artistic disciplines.
What are the challenges Norberto face as a musician from the past and present?
In the past, my greatest challenge was maintaining discipline━staying committed to practice and performance. Now, the challenge lies in accepting the passage of time and its impact on my playing. Yet. music still moves me; I can still dance, allowing my body and soul to resonate with its rhythm.
The rhythm of a piece, the spatial dimension contained within a chord, and the way music inspires human movement have all played a role in shaping my understanding of architecture. Music has provided a bridge between sound and space, influencing how I design and perceive movement within a structure.
Conversing with Norberto
Norberto, as an architectural college student, was the founder and director of the Cordoba University Architectural Choral Ensemble. The choir officially represented the university in several musical festivals and concerts around the country, plus international performances in Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay. Norberto (far right) as the former founder and leader of the MusiArchi Chamber Ensemble (A musical group under Cal Poly University Sponsorship) Photo taken in California, year 2001.
Norberto conducting Architectural Choral Ensemble
II Musiarchi Quintet
"Rhythms, the spatial dimension contained in a chord and its motivation to create human movements on time and space helped Norberto to make the connection while designing Architecture."
Early Life
How did music impact Norberto as a child?
I began studying the violin at the age of five under the guidance of my older brother, Hector. Music was a constant presence in my childhood, accompanied by dance classes (tap dance, folklore and jazz) that enhanced my artistic perception. While I found joy in playing, the rigorous practice required to improve often came at the cost of childhood leisure. To earn a position in the Santa Fe Orchestra in Argentina at just 14 years old-among musicians more than a decade older━I dedicated three to four hours a day to practicing the violin.
Performing with an instrument and surrendering to the music became a journey of self-discovery. It deepened my understanding of how architecture is intricately tied to the emotional exploration of human space.
A plaque's recognition to Norberto as 14 years old's Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra youngest musician
Musical Family
Norberto teaching his 9 years old granddaughter Maia violin lessons.
Maia performing at a recital with her pianist at 15 years old (today).
"Performing with an instrument and allowing the music to inform his body movement, became his journey to understand better how architecture is associated with the emotional exploration of the human space."
Compositions
The Connection Between Music and Architecture
A well-crafted musical composition incorporates structure, balance, and harmony━elements that parallel architectural design. The interplay of rhythm and melody mirrors the spatial considerations essential to creating meaningful spaces.
Sonata Campera
Inspiration and concept
The Sonata Campera draws inspiration from the rich traditions of Argentine folk music, echoing the rhythms and melodies born in the pampas and mountains. In Spanish, Campera means countryside, and the composition embodies the spirit of vast landscapes and rural life, much like architecture rooted in its environment. This piece is a tribute to the timeless connection between sound, space, and human experience.
Intruments: violin and piano
Watercolor Painting By Jorge Corpuna