joshua kirsch: sympathetic resonance

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.