frequencies (a / continuum) is an audiovisual installation, created by Nicolas Bernier, that lets users explore acoustic additive synthesis.
The work was inspired by the Helmoltz Sound Synthesizer, considered by some to be the first electronic synthesizer.
Here’s what Bernier has to say about the project:
Seven electromagnetically driven tuning forks are activated by a custom keyboard/controller, turning each frequencies on and off.
The project is a poeticized take on the technical device invented in the late 19th century, by physicist Hermann von Helmholtz (1821-1894), who created what can be seen as the very first synthesizer.
Combining sound and slow light pulsation patterns, this « acoustic synthesizer » is creating a contemplative and intimate experience.
Nicolas Bernier is a Montréal based artist that works in the areas of audiovisual performances and installations, musique concrète, live electronics improvisations and video art. You can find out more about Bernier via his site.
“No, no, you don’t get it. It’s art!”
It’s not really additive synthesis, is it? They aren’t tuned to the harmonic series.
it’s cool and all but they should have it in a chamber that can change the shape/dimension of the acoustics to give you an acoustic filter of sorts as well as a valve to create an envelope