“Compact Melodies” is a sound-sculptural installation which explores the mutual origin of form and music.

At the center of the work is a series of freely designed wood sculptures that are translated into musical notation through a transformation process which is based on sound wave physics and spacetime transformation. A cumputer-based algorithm assigns each wooden element a point in time. In the next step, the curves of the sculpture are translated into pitches. The curvature diameter scales with the wavelength of the associated tone - the larger the diameter, the lower the tone. By assigning an absolute pitch to each three-dimensional curve a three-part sequence of tones emerge.

The sculptures result in six short musical motifs played by piano and made audible by headphones. The transformation process makes the physical presence of the sculptures audible and invites the viewer to compare the underlying spatial form with the respective acoustic form. How do rhythms, intervals, harmonies and melodies make themselves felt? Where can dissonances be recognized and what meaning do they have?

For a broader exploration of the interplay between form and sound — including the reverse transformation and an advanced iterrative composing technique — see the project SPACETIME COMPOSING