The Mendelssohn Effektorium Uses Tracking Software for Conducting
Alyssa Pittao — May 6, 2014 — Tech
There is nothing cooler than conducting a fake orchestra, especially when you severely lack any semblance of musical talent, but have all of your fingers. The interactive, virtual symphony instalment at the Mendelssohn Museum in Leipzig, Germany allows a user take the music into their own hands, literally.The Mendelssohn Effektorium by design studio WhiteVOID requires zero musical talent and no orchestra ensemble.
Users conduct an entire symphony with a 32-inch touchscreen acting as sheet music, and an interactive tempo tracking baton. Thirteen speakers correspond to virtual instrument groups (vocals, woodwinds, strings, bass etc.), allowing amateur conductors to include or exclude certain instruments. When the interactive baton is raised, the music begins. Using a LeapMotion sensor, the tempo of the piece is adjusted according to the pendulum intervals of a user's movement, while a Mac mini mixes audio to ensure an instantaneous sound from beginning to end. Despite a simplistic design, The Mendelssohn Effektorium is a fine example of artistic, interactive, remix culture, where the average Joe can discover the skillful conductor who lies within.
Users conduct an entire symphony with a 32-inch touchscreen acting as sheet music, and an interactive tempo tracking baton. Thirteen speakers correspond to virtual instrument groups (vocals, woodwinds, strings, bass etc.), allowing amateur conductors to include or exclude certain instruments. When the interactive baton is raised, the music begins. Using a LeapMotion sensor, the tempo of the piece is adjusted according to the pendulum intervals of a user's movement, while a Mac mini mixes audio to ensure an instantaneous sound from beginning to end. Despite a simplistic design, The Mendelssohn Effektorium is a fine example of artistic, interactive, remix culture, where the average Joe can discover the skillful conductor who lies within.
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Symphony Installations - Interactive symphony installations that allow users to conduct music virtually will continue to grow in popularity.
2. Remixed Artistic Experiences - Art installations that integrate technology to give users an interactive and remixable artistic experience will become more commonplace.
3. Gesture-based Music Control - Gesture-based music control systems will become increasingly popular in interactive music experiences like the Mendelssohn Effektorium.
Industry Implications
1. Museum Industry - The museum industry can benefit greatly from incorporating interactive and technology-driven installations to attract new audiences.
2. Music Industry - The music industry can use gesture-based control systems to create new, interactive experiences that bridge the gap between traditional instruments and modern technology.
3. Technology Industry - Companies in the technology industry can explore the intersection of art and technology to create innovative and interactive installations like the Mendelssohn Effektorium.
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