Part I Instrument and Mind
Exploring the unique Freiberg Renaissance instruments in connection with the players’ cognizant and creative mind
The uniquely preserved five Renaissance violin instruments of Freiberg Cathedral offer the singular opportunity to experience the unity of five instruments in an unchanged set-up with two bows, all from the hands of one luthier. The special characteristics of these instruments determine particularly the way in which the sound is produced.
Along with fellow musicians, both students and colleagues, the knowledge inherent in this unity of instruments and bows will be explored and linked to research into the practice of composition and the theoretical demands on the 16th century musician and their effects on the players’ mindset.
The Renaissance instruments played in this first part of the project represent a key area of research. The project involves the construction of several instruments, including violins and lutes. By crafting further replicas of the original instruments – which were made in Randeck before 1594 by the Klemm family of instrument makers – various luthiers are investigating the construction methods, tools and working techniques used.
Measurements to determine the coherence between sound and sound production on historical violin instruments, carried out in co-operation with the IEM (Institute for Electronic Music and Acoustics) at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, add a further dimension to this part of the project.