The Galvonium

 

 

The Galvonium takes it's name from it's creator, the notorious 18th century composer and electrical innovator Luigi Galvani. It exploits the phenomena of electrically induced muscle spasms in amphibians to control the frequency cycle of a 50,000 volt electric current. This current is then used to create an arc of hot plasma which vibrates the air around it, generating sound. Or music in this case: The Galvonium is still to take it's place in the history books as the world's first bone-fide electronic musical instrument.

The rather fascinating and convoluted story behind this device is the rightful subject of a personal narration, to which you are invited to partake further at a time and place to be announced in The Diary. In the short term however you may find 'The Galvonium Web Book' of some education and enlightenment.

 

 

 

 

 

Video


The one & only video clip.... Just as scarce as the device itself !  Shot by Spence on hnis phone sometime ago.

 

 

 

 

Here's a comp. with the Galvonium at Feast about 2 minutes in..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credits


The Galvonium was devised, constructed and presented in partnership with Spencer Marsden as a project of

'The Mancunian Steam & Pressure Navigation Company'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was commissioned by Without Walls in Spring 2009.

The work was subsequently toured to a number of UK street theatre and outdoor arts festivals over the summer.

The project also benefited from the prior support of ACE:NW, who provided me with financial support towards the development of new work from which The Galvonium grew legs.

Many Thanks to Maggie Clarke from Xtrax for supporting our application and the presentation of the work. xx

 

 

 

 

 

 


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