Time Machine

Time Machine The beginning
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  • The Project Time Machine 1989
  • The Beginning
  • The Passage Of Time
  • The Musical Evolution
  • Time Machine (1989)
  • Time Machine - Origins
  • Time Machine - Temporary Ways
  • The Thinker From Time Machine
  • Time Machine Video (2009)
  1. Short
  2. An Evolving Masterpiece

 

The Project

Time Machine (The Project) 1989
Ionone’s Time Machine project is a fascinating exploration of art, architecture and music. This project embodies that sentiment, pushes the boundaries of what architecture can be, it is a testament to Ionone’s innovative spirit, inviting viewers to contemplate the passage of time and its implications on space.

Ionone Music is an intriguing project that delves into experimental and atmospheric soundscapes. The musical style often blends elements of electronic, ambient, and classical music, creating a unique and immersive auditory experience. Tracks like "Time Machine" showcase the ability to evoke emotions and transport listeners to otherworldly realms through layered instrumentation and intricate compositions. Ionone Music's work is perfect for those who appreciate innovative and evocative music that pushes the boundaries of traditional genres.

 Time Machine (The Project) Music by Ionone
Time Machine by Ionone is inspired by the concept of time travel and the exploration of different eras. The piece reflects themes of change, evolution, and the passage of time. Ionone uses a combination of classical and electronic elements to create a sense of journeying through different periods, evoking both nostalgia and anticipation.
Ionone's inspiration for "Time Machine" also comes from architecture, art and science fiction. The themes of technological progress, human evolution, and the impact of time on society are woven into the fabric of the composition.

the beginning

Projects do not always lead to great results
in fact many times they remain on paper and fail to go beyond that stage of existence. The Time Machine project was born in 1989 when, to conclude my thesis at La Sapienza University in Rome, my supervisor Arch. Franco Purini asked me to complete the research work with one of my drawing boards in which the meaning of the research itself was summarized. In this circumstance, this graphic representation of the thought on the meaning of our life in relation to the architectural forms that we build was born and developed. Time Machine was born, which does not refer to any period novel or to alleged machines that can make us move in time and space. This Time Machine represents us in our space where in the so-called time we find ourselves every day different and unique.
Filippo Lo Presti
Time Machine The beginning

the passage of time

Musical techniques to convey the themes of time travel
Throughout the musical pieces, Ionone introduces motifs that gradually evolve and transform. This technique mirrors the concept of moving through different time periods and the changes that occur over time. By combining classical instruments with electronic elements, he achieves a soundscape that feels both timeless and futuristic. The composition features dynamic contrasts, with shifts between soft, reflective passages and bold, dramatic sections. These contrasts reflect the unpredictable nature of time travel and the varying experiences one might encounter.
Ionone incorporates rhythmic variations to keep the listener engaged and to symbolize the irregular and nonlinear nature of time. These rhythmic changes add to the overall sense of movement and progression. The use of unconventional harmonic progressions and modulations helps to create a sense of tension and resolution. This mirrors the journey through time, with moments of uncertainty followed by moments of clarity. By employing these techniques, Ionone successfully captures the essence of time travel and creates a composition that is both evocative and thought-provoking.
Time Machine is a captivating composition that showcases an unique blend of classical and contemporary elements. The main theme takes listeners on a journey through time, with its evolving melodies and intricate harmonies. You can find Time Machine on platforms like SoundCloud, where Ionone has a dedicated playlist featuring this track.
Time Machine - The passage of time

The musical evolution

Time Machine from 1989
Time Machine (1989)
Time Machine - Origins
Time Machine - Temporary Ways
The Thinker from Time Machine
Opera One: Time Machine Video (2009)

A Sonic Time Capsule Ionone’s Time Machine is a masterclass in blending nostalgia with innovation, evoking the phrase: “Music is the closest thing we have to a time machine”. Originally composed in 1988 and later with interconnected themes like Origins, Temporary Ways, and The Thinker, this piece transcends decades, weaving medieval motifs with futuristic synthscapes. At its core lies the Yamaha DX7 synthesizer, programmed to mimic a harp—a choice that bridges the ancient and the electronic with haunting elegance.
The DX7’s harp-like timbre immediately transports listeners to a bygone era, its plucked strings echoing the austerity of medieval troubadours. Yet, the synth’s cold, crystalline tones add a layer of futurism, creating a paradoxical soundscape that feels both archaic and alien.
The original 1989 composition serves as a minimalist foundation, its simplicity reminiscent of early electronic experimentation. By 2024, Ionone expands this into a narrative suite:
Origins: A brooding overture that reintroduces the DX7’s harp motif.
Temporary Ways: A rhythmic departure, incorporating arpeggiated sequences.
The Thinker: A contemplative finale, where medieval cadences dissolve into glitchy textures—a nod to the “narcotic swathes of electronic washes” in avant-garde compositions.

Time Machine is more than a synth experiment, it’s a meditation on how art transcends eras. The DX7, a relic of the 1980s, becomes a vessel for medieval echoes and 21st-century introspection.For listeners yearning to traverse centuries with a single melody, this is your soundtrack.

Time Machine by ionone Music Video 2009

Time Machine (1989)

Between Old and New
Ionone’s Time Machine is a sonic journey that effortlessly blends nostalgia with futuristic soundscapes. From the very first notes, the track evokes a sense of movement—like stepping into a portal that transports listeners through time, memories, and emotions. A must-listen for those who crave music that takes them somewhere beyond the present moment.
The production is immersive, with layered synths and rhythmic pulses that create a dreamlike atmosphere. The electronic elements are crisp and well-balanced, making the track feel both airy and grounded. Whether you interpret Time Machine as a reflection on the past or a glimpse into the future, its hypnotic melodies and carefully curated sound design make it a compelling experience. Fans of ambient electronica and cinematic synth music will appreciate its delicate yet impactful storytelling. A must-listen for those who crave music that takes them somewhere beyond the present moment. 

Listen to Time Machine by Ionone on: SoundCloud, ReverbNation, YouTube

The Sickos
Original Musicality, Here! We enjoyed listening to all of your very cool tracks. I'm gonna have "Time Machine" on my brain, as I head out (Right On)!)..Give us a listen sometime, as we have a new set. - The Sickos

Time Machine by Ionone Music

Time Machine - Origins

Origins. A Meditative Journey Through Time
Origins is a deeply atmospheric piece that bridges ancient spiritual traditions with modern synthesis. Rooted in a recording from a Buddhist temple in Thailand, the track carries a reverence that feels timeless, both meditative and transformative. The use of this real-world soundscape gives Origins a unique authenticity, immersing listeners in the hushed echoes of chanting monks, distant temple bells, and the organic resonance of a sacred space.
The integration of the Buddhist temple recording acts as the heartbeat of Origins, grounding the composition in a real-world experience while allowing it to evolve into something transcendent. The result is a piece that breathes—softly shifting between organic reverberations and synthetic waves.
Origins is more than an ambient piece; it is a reflection on time, place, and the spirituality of sound itself. Its fusion of organic and electronic elements creates an experience that is both grounding and expansive, inviting listeners to step outside their own timeline and into a realm of quiet contemplation.  

Listen to Origins by Ionone on: SoundCloud, ReverbNation, Vimeo, YouTube

Time Machine - Origins by Ionone Music

Time Machine - Temporary Ways

Temporary Ways. Minimalism Meets Emotion
“Temporary Ways” symbolizes the fleeting nature of moments and experiences, much like the transient journey through different eras and dimensions that the track evokes. It aligns with the theme of a time machine, where each moment is temporary yet significant.
That’s a fascinating evolution for Time Machine!
Temporary Ways is a profound meditation on transition, change, and the ephemeral nature of existence. Unlike the electronic textures of Time Machine and Origins, this composition embraces the purity of piano, allowing its raw, organic resonance to take center stage. The absence of synthesizers lends the piece a deeply human quality—each note feels deliberate, like footsteps through an ever-shifting landscape.
Within the larger Time Machine suite, Temporary Ways provides a stark contrast to the celestial synths and layered sequences of its counterparts. Instead of transporting listeners through time, it grounds them in the present moment—a reminder that, despite the endless forward motion of existence, there are still fleeting pauses worth embracing.  

Listen to Temporary Ways by Ionone on: SoundCloud, ReverbNation, YouTube

Time Machine -  Temporary Ways by Ionone Music

The Thinker from Time Machine

"The Thinker" from Time Machine. A Grand Reflection in Sound
The Thinker, part of the Time Machine suite, stands as its most contemplative and cinematic piece. While Origins and Temporary Ways embrace minimalism and introspection, The Thinker elevates the journey to orchestral heights, blending electronic synthesis with sweeping orchestration. The result is a composition that feels both introspective and vast—an exploration of thought, memory, and the weight of time itself.
The combination of synthesizers and orchestra creates an intriguing contrast. The Yamaha electronic textures weave intricate patterns, shimmering like fleeting ideas in the mind of The Thinker. Meanwhile, the orchestral arrangement brings warmth and emotional depth, grounding the composition in organic resonance. Strings swell, brass calls like distant voices, and the interplay between synthetic and acoustic instruments creates a layered, immersive soundscape.
Much like the role of a thinker in society, the piece does not rush toward conclusions. Instead, it unfolds patiently, reflecting on the passage of time, the weight of ideas, and the beauty of deep contemplation.  

Listen to The Thinker from Time Machine by Ionone on: SoundCloud, ReverbNation, Vimeo, Facebook, YouTube

The Thinker from Time Machine by Ionone Music

Short

Ionone's short videos
are a captivating exploration of visual and auditory storytelling, blending experimental soundscapes with striking graphics to create immersive experiences. Each title offers a unique thematic journey:

Hagia Sophia as a "time tunnel"
that connects different eras and cultures. This metaphorical passage through time aligns with the concept of temporary ways, as it represents the transient nature of human history and the continuous evolution of cultural and religious practices.
Time Machine - Temporary Ways by lonone Music. Linkedin, Facebook.

#object
It is possible to see the object and at the same time feel its presence even in the absence of the object itself. #ionone #music
From "Architecture and symbol" and Time Machine. Facebook.

Projection
What we observe around us represents a projection of our identity. We determine and define our future through the choices and decisions we make. The surrounding environment reflects our essence, as do natural and non-natural events, which continuously highlight its influence. Automation and technological-digital emancipation play a significant role in the intellectual and social development of the context in which we operate; delegating tasks previously performed by humans to the machine allows the individual to be freer in deciding how to spend their time and use their intelligence to improve the state of things and people. Don't fear yourself; achieve what you truly desire.
Projection and Time Machine (Version 2025) Ionone Music. Vimeo, Facebook, YouTube

The Thinker
#ionone #music #video #art #thinker #time #machine #world #chaos #flow #life
The Thinker from Time Machine by Ionone Music. Vimeo, Facebook, YouTube

Lost cities
Lost cities, destroyed, burned, flooded, imagined, suspended, submerged, razed, erased; one different from the other, one lost in itself, the other forgotten. A city lost and found in every city, which discovers the way to repeat itself and then erase itself, overlapping in nothingness or only on sheets of paper where everything becomes false.
From "Lost cities" and Time Machine by Ionone Music. Vimeo, Facebook, YouTube

Architecture and the Essence of the Universe
A building, like a mask produced by man to duplicate itself, is the mask of the architectural idea of the universe; in the language of architecture can thus be found the rules that govern it, the syntax of composing not only space but also time. And yet the use of language can express in a determined and decisive way the total vision of the universe in that precise historical moment of the conciliation between the world of the universe and the world of the spirit.
From "Architecture and the Essence of the Universe" and Time Machine by Ionone Music. Vimeo, Facebook.

Architecture of impermanence
A contribution to the ongoing dialogue about the role of architecture in a world that is constantly changing. It asks us to reconsider our relationship with the physical structures we inhabit and to imagine a future where architecture is not just about creating spaces but also about crafting experiences that are as fleeting and precious as life itself.
Architecture of impermanence and Time Machine by Ionone Music. Vimeo, Facebook.

Architecture and symbol
It is possible to see the object and at the same time feel its presence even in the absence of the object itself.
From "Architecture and symbol" and Time Machine by Ionone Music. Vimeo.

Architectural flow
With the symbol we witness the 'transfiguration of things', in which nature is increasingly abstracted until it joins with the spirit; the bridge between the body of the object and the idea of this is in the same place between nature and spirit. In architecture, for example, the use of sacred geometry and symbolic forms can transform a physical space into a spiritual experience. Similarly, in music, certain compositions can evoke emotions and states of mind that transcend the ordinary, connecting us to something greater.
Architectural flow and Time Machine by Ionone Music. Facebook, Vimeo.

Musician house
From the musician house can be heard the sound of the time machine, a house filled with melodies that transcend time, where each note carries echoes of the past and whispers of the future.
Musician house and Time Machine by Ionone Music. Facebook, Vimeo, YouTube.

Photos of photos
"Photos of photos" like reflections in a hall of mirrors.
A piano version of Time Machine by Ionone Music. Facebook, Vimeo.

Garden of Music
"Garden of Music" an architectural view that harmonizes design, sound, and soul.
Time Machine by Ionone Music. Facebook, Vimeo.

Origins
Time Machine - Origins from the spiritual world of Thailand
Time Machine by Ionone Music. Facebook, Vimeo.

Unknown
A variation of Time Machine
Time Machineby Ionone Music. Facebook, Vimeo.

more short videos  

Hagia Sophia as a time tunnel from Time Machine by Ionone Music Ionone architecture short video Ionone short video Ionone architecture short video Ionone architecture short video Ionone short video

An Evolving Masterpiece 

From Synth to Sanctuary: An Evolving Masterpiece
What began in 1989 as a minimalist synth experiment has blossomed into Time Machine, Ionone’s audacious multimedia odyssey. Rooted in the Yamaha DX7’s harp-like timbres and medieval-inspired melodies, the project now spans music, architecture, and narrative, inviting audiences to traverse time through a tapestry of sensory experiences. The latest iteration, enriched with themes like Origins, Temporary Ways, and The Thinker, transcends its musical origins, offering a meditation on creativity’s power to bridge past, present, and future.

At its core, Time Machine remains a love letter to the DX7 synthesizer. The instrument’s metallic harp tones evoke troubadour ballads, while its synthetic edge propels the listener into uncharted realms. Tracks like Origins (2024) layer these sounds with ambient drones, creating a soundscape that feels both ancient and extraterrestrial. *Temporary Ways* introduces rhythmic urgency, its arpeggios echoing the restless pulse of modernity, while *The Thinker* dissolves into glitchy abstraction—a digital requiem for linear time.

Textual fragments—poetic, philosophical—stitch the experience together. Lines like “Time bends where stone meets sound” accompany a sequence where medieval melodies warp into glitch, blurring the line between lyric and lyricism. This narrative layer invites introspection, urging audiences to reflect on their own temporal narratives. It’s a bold choice, risking pretension, but here, words act as grounding wires, tethering the abstract to the emotional.

Time Machine by Ionone Music

Time Machine is not just a composition or installation, it’s a manifesto. Ionone challenges us to see music as architecture, words as melodies, and time as a mutable medium. For every critic who longs for the raw purity of the 1989 version, there’s a listener awestruck by the latest iteration’s ambition. In merging eras and disciplines, Ionone doesn’t just soundtrack time travel, he reinvent it.