Manus Tremens
Steven Kemper · 2022
Manus Tremens is a structured improvisation for accelerometer-controlled vibration motors, amplified toy harp, and live sound processing. The performer uses two vibration motors to directly actuate the strings of a toy harp. Accelerometers affixed to the performer's wrists affect the vibration intensity of each motor, which enables nuanced dynamic control of the sounds being produced. The design of this system and performance are inspired by the cimbalom, an Eastern European hammered dulcimer instrument. The Manus Tremens system also represents a collaborative approach to sound-making that combines human movements and mechatronic sound actuation.