Dos caminos

"The field recording I chose was rich with historical resonance, immediately reminding me of another sacred route in Japan—Kumano Kodo, an ancient pilgrimage trail deeply connected to spiritual tradition. This parallel between Camino de Santiago in Spain and Kumano Kodo in Japan felt natural, as both sites are UNESCO-designated partners in preserving cultural and historical heritage.

"Fortunately, I had my own field recordings from Kumano and Koyasan temple, and as I listened, I was struck by how seamlessly the Buddhist chant and the Spanish gaida (bagpipe) intertwined. Their tonal qualities resonated in a way that evoked a shared sense of devotion, despite being from different corners of the world.

"Rather than stopping at this musical dialogue, I wanted to create something immersive — an experience akin to walking along these sacred paths. To achieve this, I incorporated poetry from ancient Japan, reciting verses that reflect themes of journey, reflection, and spiritual connection. By layering these elements, I hoped to offer listeners — whether tourists, pilgrims, or those engaging from afar—a way to connect with the past and feel the enduring spirit of these landscapes.

"The final composition unfolds as a call-and-response between the two pilgrimage routes, distant in geography but united in essence. It invites the listener to trace the footsteps of those who came before, to remember, to feel, and to sense the unchanged atmosphere of these sacred spaces—a rare and precious experience in our fast-moving world."

Praza das Praterías, Santiago de Compostela reimagined by Yutaka Atonami.

———————

This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights.

Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage