What does the city of Tel Aviv sound like? “Noisy” would be the general consensus, backed by a study prepared for the strategic plan for the city stating that, “Tel Aviv-Yafo is considered to be noisier than many large European cities” due the bus system “Considered to be the source of the strongest noise” and aircraft “yet another source of noise” and of course, congested traffic.
The cacophony of Israel’s “non-stop city” was expressed beautifully in the Central Command Variety Ensemble’s 1969 song, “Tears of the Traffic Signs.” Aside from proving that traffic conditions have not changed significantly in 46 years, the song found music — to a Swinging Sixties beat — within the urban chaos.
The city’s rhythm and rhyme is explored by Mario Troiani, Italian freelance photographer and Tel Aviv resident, in his latest exhibition, “The Sound of Tel Aviv,” which opened this week at the Felicja Blumental Music Center.
There are street performances…
Classical music…
Exotic instruments…
And makeshift ones…
Tel Aviv’s seashore as a rehearsal space…
Even the pulse of “matkot” paddleboards serve as the beach’s constant soundtrack…
“The Sound of Tel Aviv” runs through October 15, 2015 at the Felicja Blumental Music Center, 26 Bialik Street, Tel Aviv. For more information about Mario Troiani’s photographic work, visit his website and “Like” his Facebook page.