ptera

Six snare drums. Twelve electromagnets. Subs.

ptera is an electroacoustic solo instrument situated between experimental and electronic music. Rhythmic, repetitive and physically perceptible impulses meet a research-based exploration of sound, material and resonance. Inspired by the stridulation of crickets, katydids and cicadas, ptera transfers the production of sound through friction to six prepared snare drums activated by twelve precisely controlled electromagnets. Driven at audio rates, the snare wires transform the drums into acoustic oscillators capable of producing both noise and clearly defined pitches.
Every sound is generated by the physical behaviour of the instrument itself, without synthesizers, samples or concealed sound sources. Custom software based on modular-system logic creates conditions for unforeseen interactions, allowing the composition to unfold between intention, chance and material response. The use of subwoofers add no separate sound layer. They extend the acoustic activity of the snares into the lowest frequencies, completing the instrument and making its vibrations physically present in the space.

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displayed at Gare du Nord, Basel (CH) | Society for Arts and Technology [SAT], Montréal (CAN)