CLUSTERCHORD
MULTI-PLAYER ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC RHYTHMIC ZITHER, 2017
ED DEVANE (IE)
ClusterChord is a mechanically controlled acoustic zither with electromechanically generated percussive sounds. Up to seven players can control the instrument via its control panel, which is divided into three distinct parts.
The centre of the control panel is a three-part, sixteen-step mechanical rhythm sequencer, allowing three layers of velocity for different sounds. Sounds for this part of the instrument are created by tapping the stringed instrument as well as transducing and amplifying the movement of DC motors to create drum-type sounds.
The second part has two controls placed on either side of the piece, controlling motors that hit small beaters off the many strings on the zither to create random melodic loops. The faster the speed of the motor, the more erratic and rapid the note sequence. By moving this motor left to right, different strings can be struck.
The third part of the instrument rubs a rosined stick over a cluster of strings at different speeds and positions as controlled by the player. This produces a tone cluster (multiple tones close in frequency played simultaneously), which we perceive more as a texture than as a clearly defined pitch or pitches.
Played together, the instrument can replicate or approach a range of sounds, from dark techno to ambient to looping melodic noise.
BIO
Ed is an Irish sound artist and instrument designer. Beginning his creative career producing electronic music centered on the dancefloor while simultaneously pursuing abstract freeform group improvisation, Ed's work has evolved to include interactive sound and light installations, instrument building and educational workshops.