Michel Waisvisz Archive: Concert

Touched by sound

Each of the artists has a personal practice that ties in with Waisvisz's ideas. Together they will play on a selection of handmade and remade instruments, including a re-customized Crackle Synth by Pete Edwards.

Crackle Synth

Working from the idea that the human body itself is an interface and connection mechanism that becomes a vital part of composition, the keyboard-less, touch-sensitive Crackle Synth is tailor-made for the fluid dynamics of free improvisation. The influence of these innovative machines is far-reaching – considered the archetype of 'glitch music' or 'circuit bending', in the 1990s variations on the Crackle Synth and Crackle Box were picked up by electronic acts such as Coil and Mouse on Mars.

New instruments

Artists have also built entirely new instruments based on archival originals – Boris Shershenkov's AudioPuller is inspired by TapePuller, developed by Waisvisz around 1970, an experimental musical instrument that works with the tactility of cassette tapes. Ji Youn Kang conducts research and builds various analog circuits in the form of a row. From her extensive collection she brings home-made instruments that draw direct inspiration from the late Dutch inventor and endlessly creative composer.