This video, via synthesist Anthony Marinelli, captures a live performance by Rob Schwimmer at Superbooth 2024 of Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time.Schwimmer is a virtuoso keyboardist and thereminist, and as he demonstrates here, he’s one of the leading performers on the Haken Continuum, considered by many to be the most expressive electronic instrument ever made. The Continuum gives you precise continuous control over pitch, volume and timbre, with independent polyphonic control.Schwimmer has arranged the fifth movement of the Quartet for Continuum, showcasing both the capabilities of the instrument and the beauty of Messiaen’s composition.
What Marinelli has to say about the video:
“I walked into the Haken Audio bungalow at Superbooth ’24 and heard maybe the best playing on an electronic instrument I have ever heard. Rob Schwimmer’s performance of Olivier Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Time” (arr. for Six Ondes Martenot) performed on a Haken Continuum truly amazed and inspired me.
I’m so happy to show all of you how far expressive synthesis has come along. This level of expression, until recently, was never possible with electronic instruments.
I can’t wait to see how today’s revolution to create expressive musical instruments will effect music in the future!”
Like the theremin, the FLUX is played gesturally, using your hands to control pitch and volume. The FLUX uses magnetic ‘bows’ and a sensor strip, though, which allows for much more precise and repeatable control over pitch, while still supporting continuous expressive control, like the theremin.
Kreimer’s performance shows the expressive performance control and timbral range of the FLUX.
Watch the video and share your thoughts on the FLUX in the comments!
Event Summary:
“Vlad Kreimer the founder of SOMA labs presents a unique synthesizer FLUX based on magnetic principles.
In many ways, FLUX is inspired by the Theremin and inherits its core feature – the unique opportunity of controlling sound by moving your hands in the air without touching any object.
FLUX is the musicality and expression of classical instruments, such as violin or vocals, enriched by new timbres and the flexibility of postmodern instruments, harnessing the power of current technology.”
The SOMA FLUX is currently under development, with a release targeted for the end of 2024.
This video, from Superbooth 2024, offers an overview and demo of the Nonlinear Labs C15 synthesizer, including new features of the synth engine.
Session Summary:
Berlin-based keyboardist Tim Sund will play live on the C15 synthesizer to give an impression of its sonic and expressive possibilities. Tim will play fresh examples of advanced sound design and also use the new features of the synth engine that are part of the upcoming firmware release.
In the second part, Stephan Schmitt, the founder of Nonlinear Labs, will join him and give some explanations about the instrument and its ongoing technical development.
