A forest of pianos and violins
Probably the fact that the Tarvisio forest is one of the world’s excellences for resonance wood, the kind that has been used for centuries by luthiers to build violins, cellos, guitars, and pianos, does not have much to do with the actual listening that can be done here during a field trip, however, it is a nice coincidence.
A sound that cannot be recorded
A walk among the spruce trees of the Saisera Valley in the winter time is a wonderful acoustic experience, particularly when one is lucky enough to have a sunny day after a heavy snowfall. The silence and peace of this valley allow you to hear the drops of water falling on the snow, from near to far, and are a constellation of sounds, all around.
From time to time then, when some loaded fronds, with the weight bends, the “Frup!” of snow falling to the ground is a reward for waiting. It happens without warning, at various angles and distances, followed by the slow settling of the lighter flakes
Plus there is listening to the muffled sound of sinking footsteps, bird calls or the tapping of woodpeckers, and even a few cars passing on the nearby road to drive up the valley to the farmhouse, the alpine hut or the Great War Theme Park.
Unfortunately, no sound recording can ever represent real listening, and in this case there is not even the possibility of an approximation. Any attempt to capture the delicacy of this topophony would be misleading. The only option is to keep an eye on the weather going and experience it for yourself.
Directions
WHERE
Saisera Valley Forest.
You can conveniently drive up to the RV park (sometimes paid, sometimes not, and in any case offering no service). From there you continue on foot.
WHEN
After a snowfall.
ACCESSIBILITY
The trail is also suitable for children. Some trails are groomed, but you will soon find yourself with knee-deep snow.
Audio
No sound recording can ever represent real listening, and in this case there is not even the possibility of an approximation. Any attempt to capture the delicacy of this topophony would be misleading. The only option is to keep an eye on the weather going and experience it for yourself.
Links and insights
- Walking in the forest, one may encounter some sculptures made of wood, stone or moss. These are the art installations of the Altrememorie project
- The illustrative signs found on the trail have QR codes that link to information about the peculiarities of resonant spruces and some aspects of the art of violin making
- The Saisera Wild Track is a loop trail in the bottom of the entire valley, past environments of rare beauty, sparse forests and open spaces on the creek bed.
- Not far away is the Great War Theme Park, one of the stops on the Great War Routes
- Weather forecasts and snow reports can be consulted and evaluated at theARPA FVG website