sympathetic resonance, 2009
dimensions vary
african padauk, birch veneer plywood, aluminum, yarn mallets, rotary solenoids, brass, wires, magnets,
boot lace, electronic components

sympathetic resonance is an interactive musical instrument sculpture developed by joshua kirsch.
the piece uses the keys of a marimba, which is a mallet-percussion instrument of african origin,
to create four and a half playable octaves. each of the 56 individual units which make up
the instrument contain a different note as well as a yarn-wound mallet affixed to a rotary solenoid
with notes triggered when someone plays the touch sensitive aluminum keyboard.
the modular sculpture allows for different configurations each time it is installed.
the units can stand alone on the ground or be mounted to the wall, and connected to the keyboard
with any length of wire.


installation view


56 individual units make-up the instrument








each unit has a yarn-wound mallet attached to a rotary solenoid which allows the notes to be triggered when
someone plays the touch sensitive aluminum keyboard




the touch sensitive aluminum


the viewer can play the keyboard triggering the 56 notes


aerial view of sympathetic resonance
image courtesy of john minchillo

Sympathetic Resonance from Joshua Kirsch on Vimeo.