Kugelschwung -a Pendulum-based Musical Instrument

Jamie Henson, Benjamin Collins, Alexander Giles, Kathryn Webb, Matthew Livingston, and Thomas Mortensson

Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

• Year: 2012
• Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Keywords: laser, pendulums, instrument design, electronic, sampler, soundscape, expressive performance
• DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1178285 (Link to paper)
• PDF link

Abstract:

This paper introduces the concept of Kugelschwung, a digital musical instrument centrally based around the use of pendulums and lasers to create unique and highly interactive electronic ambient soundscapes. Here, we explore the underlying design and physical construction of the instrument, as well as its implementation and feasibility as an instrument in the real world. To conclude, we outline potential expansions to the instrument, describing how its range of applications can be extended to accommodate a variety of musical styles.

Citation:

BibTeX Entry:

  @inproceedings{Henson2012,
 abstract = {This paper introduces the concept of Kugelschwung, a digital musical instrument centrally based around the use of pendulums and lasers to create unique and highly interactive electronic ambient soundscapes. Here, we explore the underlying design and physical construction of the instrument, as well as its implementation and feasibility as an instrument in the real world. To conclude, we outline potential expansions to the instrument, describing how its range of applications can be extended to accommodate a variety of musical styles.},
 address = {Ann Arbor, Michigan},
 author = {Jamie Henson and Benjamin Collins and Alexander Giles and Kathryn Webb and Matthew Livingston and Thomas Mortensson},
 booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
 doi = {10.5281/zenodo.1178285},
 issn = {2220-4806},
 keywords = {laser, pendulums, instrument design, electronic, sampler, soundscape, expressive performance},
 publisher = {University of Michigan},
 title = {Kugelschwung -a Pendulum-based Musical Instrument},
 url = {http://www.nime.org/proceedings/2012/nime2012_131.pdf},
 year = {2012}
}