This sensual tree, built of copper, reacts to the closeness of the audience. When the audience approach, the tree performs an electro-acoustic version of an aria by G. F. Handel with its trembling loud-speaker-leafs. In this aria, Xerxes gives voice to his love for a tree that allows him to seek refuge in its shadow.
Through the stem of the copper-tree, wires lead from the base to brass-leaves that tremble by the sound waves. Two sensors are placed on the stem, and through the computers and circuit cards placed in the root system they transform the movements of the audience to music, wind and light.
CONCEPT AND INTERACTION DESIGN:
Åsa and Carl Unander-Scharin
CONSTRUCTION OF THE COPPER TREE, AND TECHNICIAN:
Petra Kiiskinen
ARIA:
Georg Friederich Handel (from Xerxes, 1738) Remix, song, electronics, programming: Carl Unander-Scharin
ELECTRONICS CONSULTING:
Magnus Lundin
LIGHT DESIGN:
Anders Larsson
PERFORMANCES:
First performance: The inauguration of Studio Acusticum, Piteå, 2007
The Göteborg Opera, 2008
Reaktorhallen, KTH, 2010 and 2015
Swedish Royal Opera, 2012
Operadagen Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 2012
PHOTO:
Rune Ahlström
VIDEO:
The Flock/Kerstin Grunditz