Christophe Chassol - Indiamore

Christophe Chassol, a pianist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and innovative video artist, has pioneered an integrative approach to music and film that he calls Ultrascore. I first discovered his work through his masterpiece "Indiamore" in 2016, and I was completely mesmerized by his ability to seamlessly blend video, music, and storytelling.

The film takes us on a journey through Calcutta and Varnasi, showcasing the sights, sounds, and music of these culturally rich cities. Chassol uses his unique musical style, which fuses classical, pop, jazz, electronic, and world music, to create a one-of-a-kind experience that combines travelogue, music video, and narrative film.

What sets Indiamore apart is the way Chassol incorporates the sounds and dialogue from his videos as musical elements within his compositions. He records people speaking, playing instruments, tapping rhythms or singing short songs, then artfully adds harmonies and drums to these found sounds, after the fact, blending them seamlessly into the soundtrack. From street vendors, to taxi drivers and musicians, Chassol showcases the beauty of Indian culture through his lens.

The film is a joy to watch from beginning to end, and it allows us to see Chassol's unique perspective on his travels in India. Other Ultrascores that he has created in the same style include "Big Sun" and his most recent work, "Ludi." I highly recommend taking the time to watch "Indiamore." It is a treat for both musicians and non-musicians alike.

Personally, Chassol has been a very inspirational to me in my work integrating video and music. Here is a link to one of my pieces for trumpet, fixed media, and video. If you'd like to stay updated on my live performances and new compositions, please join my email list.