Beautiful Performances with Unique New Instruments
Mass Ensemble are a performance group which combines art, music and choreography to make some pretty spectacular shows. They use unique instruments designed by Bill Close, the artistic director. Instruments include the Earth Harp, holding the record for longest string instrument in the world (it stretches across the building using the whole structure as a resonator). It is played by bowing it like a violin with rosin-covered gloves.
I went to one of their concerts and the sounds the Earth Harp made were out of this world. I also remember there was a sphere of drums, a harp dangling from the ceiling and the aquatar, a hybrid electric guitar, bass and sitar forming an amazing triple-necked instrument (I loved the aquatar solo). The performance was very kinetic, with the drums and ceiling harp rotating while being played, and there were acrobatics above the players. I definitely want to see them again.
Tags: Video Music Art Instruments
2008-10-12 19:35:00
