Amiata Records is an independent cross-cultural record label founded in 1992 in Seggiano, Tuscany, by Matteo Silva and Marc Eagleton. It takes its name from Monte Amiata, the ancient volcanic mountain rising in one of the most unspoiled landscapes of central Italy. In 1993, Matteo Silva established Amiata Arte, the label’s publishing division, in Switzerland.

From its earliest releases, Amiata has followed a vision of music unconstrained by genres or geographical boundaries. Its catalog embraces an unusually broad spectrum of musical expression — from the oral traditions of Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean to early and sacred music; from minimalism and contemporary composition to jazz, ambient, electronica, sound art and experimental music archaeology.

What connects these different worlds is a commitment to artistic integrity, cultural authenticity and the art of listening.

THE MOST MEANINGFUL SOUND NEXT TO SILENCE

Amiata’s defining motto originated in a 1995 review published by the British magazine Audiophile Recording. Over time, “The Most Meaningful Sound Next to Silence” became more than a description of the label’s recordings: it came to express its philosophy.

For Amiata, sound is not simply something to be produced and consumed. Listening is an act of attention, a way of entering into relation with what surrounds us. Sound can transform perception, restore presence and reveal connections that often remain unheard. In this sense, listening becomes a form of attunement — much as a musical instrument is tuned, we too can become more finely attuned to ourselves, to others and to the world of which we are part.

This philosophy is reflected not only in the music itself, but in every aspect of Amiata’s productions: audiophile recording standards, distinctive visual design, carefully conceived editions and substantial editorial content. Each release is approached as a complete artistic work.

ACROSS CULTURES, ACROSS TIME

Throughout its history, Amiata has initiated and produced projects extending far beyond conventional record production.

Among the most distinctive is Synaulia – Music of Ancient Rome, a pioneering project of experimental music archaeology devoted to reconstructing the instruments and sound world of ancient Rome through archaeological evidence, iconography, literary sources and musical experimentation.

Other major productions include Magnificat, created for the Vatican’s Jubilee 2000 in collaboration with Ennio Morricone, José Carreras and Montserrat Caballé; the 15-CD World Music collection published with L’Espresso–La Repubblica; and the 65-volume Musiche del Mondo encyclopedia produced for RCS Fabbri Editori.

Amiata’s recordings have travelled equally far through cinema, television and dance. Its music has appeared in films including Gladiator, Gladiator II, The Talented Mr. Ripley and The Village, and in major television productions such as Rome and Those About to Die. Recordings from the catalog have also accompanied modern dance productions and performances internationally.

AN INDEPENDENT VISION

Over more than three decades, Amiata’s work has received international recognition, including two Grammy Award nominations, the Diapason d’Or in France and the Deutscher Schallplattenpreis in Germany. In 2013, music from Amiata’s catalogue received the Stars Award for Best Soundtrack at the 70th Venice International Film Festival for Emma Dante’s Via Castellana Bandiera.

Today, Amiata’s catalogue comprises more than 100 titles across six series, bringing together artists, traditions and musical languages from around the world.

Yet Amiata’s identity cannot be measured simply by the number of recordings it has produced, the territories it has explored or the recognition it has received. It lies in the continuity of a vision that has remained at its heart since 1992: music for curious souls and smart ears. Sounds for those willing to venture into new territories.