Tremolo-Harp Study 1 represents the first piece composed for the Tremolo-Harp. This study explores the instrument’s unique timbral properties as well as its capabilities to create long, sustained textures and continuous dynamic changes. The overall musical concept for this piece is one of slowly-evolving chords of differing durations that move across the range of the instrument.
The Tremolo-Harp is a twelve-stringed robotic instrument, where each string is actuated with a DC vibration motor to produce a mechatronic “tremolo” effect. It was inspired by instruments and musical styles that employ tremolo as a primary performance technique, including the hammered dulcimer, pipa, banjo, flamenco guitar, and surf rock guitar. Additionally, the Tremolo-Harp is designed to produce long, sustained textures and continuous dynamic variation.