Hilton Schilder is known for embracing digital technology as evidenced by his electronic work with Alex van Heerden (1974-2009) under the RockArt moniker. He is also no stranger to exploring the sonic potential of ancient instruments hewn from wood and wire, which he dubs "single-string technology." Pushing the invisible frontiers of tradition, Schilder partnered with bow craftsman Bien Petersen to develop the Wikkelspies (or “shake-spear” as he cunningly translates its Afrikaans name). A flat board with seven spring-mounted mouth bows arranged in parallel, the device rests on the player's lap while strings are struck by sticks and the board is shaken with the knees. "This is the only instrument in the world like this. We invented it 6 months ago," says Schilder demonstrating his creation on a pop-up stage in front of Cape Town's National Museum in September 2012.
Saturday 1 December 2012
Hilton Schilder :: The Wikkelspies
Hilton Schilder is known for embracing digital technology as evidenced by his electronic work with Alex van Heerden (1974-2009) under the RockArt moniker. He is also no stranger to exploring the sonic potential of ancient instruments hewn from wood and wire, which he dubs "single-string technology." Pushing the invisible frontiers of tradition, Schilder partnered with bow craftsman Bien Petersen to develop the Wikkelspies (or “shake-spear” as he cunningly translates its Afrikaans name). A flat board with seven spring-mounted mouth bows arranged in parallel, the device rests on the player's lap while strings are struck by sticks and the board is shaken with the knees. "This is the only instrument in the world like this. We invented it 6 months ago," says Schilder demonstrating his creation on a pop-up stage in front of Cape Town's National Museum in September 2012.
