{"id":5166,"date":"2011-10-28T14:40:03","date_gmt":"2011-10-28T18:40:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/?p=5166"},"modified":"2011-10-28T14:40:03","modified_gmt":"2011-10-28T18:40:03","slug":"worlds-first-string-quartet-for-bluetooth-violin-bow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/en\/?p=5166","title":{"rendered":"World\u2019s First String Quartet for Bluetooth Violin Bow"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Performed by Grammy Winning Kronos Quartet<\/strong><\/h3>\n

(October 28, 2011, Berkeley, CA) Technology embraces tradition with the premier of \u201cPolar Suite,\u201d<\/em> the world\u2019s first string quartet composed for and performed with K-Bow, a Bluetooth Sensor Bow designed by Berkeley based Keith McMillen Instruments (KMI). Kronos will perform \u201cPolar Suite\u201d<\/em> by Douglas Quin at Syracuse University, College of Visual and Performing Arts on November 9, 2011 at 8pm, as part of the Kronos weeklong residency.<\/p>\n

Composed by Quin, hailed as the \u201cAudubon of Audio\u201d<\/em> by the Washington Post, \u201cPolar Suite\u201d<\/em> integrates the sounds of traditional instruments processed with captured sounds all controlled by movements of KMI\u2019s K-Bow. K-Bow is a Kevlar and graphite bow that seamlessly integrates sensors and CPUs with the feel of a traditional violin bow. \u201cPolar Suite\u201d<\/em> brings together violin, viola, cello, digitally processed samples and interactive electronics controlled by the K-Bow.<\/p>\n

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\nIn developing this new work, Kronos Quartet founder David Harrington shared his excitement, “This is an opportunity to essentially relearn our instruments and to transform how we approach live performance. “Polar Suite,” is a very different kind of string quartet and an extraordinary sonic adventure–thanks in large part to the K-bow and what is now possible!”<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe bow itself has the feel and balance of a fine bow. One literally has the power to control and manipulate sound at their fingertips with virtually no disruption to the technical act of playing their instrument. It really is the coolest thing that I have ever seen,”<\/em> said Jeffrey Zeigler, cellist for Kronos Quartet.<\/p>\n

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Keith McMillen has been a pioneer in electronic and computer music for over 30 years. His instruments and inventions have been used by artists like Laurie Anderson, Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin. He invented the first programmable audio mixer and the Zeta violin, the gold standard for electric stringed instruments.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorking with Kronos is the culmination of five years refining K-Bow. Douglas Quin\u2019s demanding need for rapidly changing timbres and the incredible insights Kronos has into sound and beauty helps push technology to a level where it becomes secondary to the music it creates. New instruments should enable truly original music. When an instrument excels and merges with a great performer, an experience exceeding both can be achieved,\u201d says McMillen, who has hand-made over 100 sensor bows to finally satisfy these demands.<\/p>\n

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\nComposer Douglas Quin said, “K-bow is an extraordinary and visionary invention in every sense. Keith’s passion for strings shines through in the detail and elegance of the bow’s design: packing in as much technology and punch as possible without losing sight of the feel of a traditional bow. As a composer the possibilities are endless and I finally have an opportunity to create what I have been conceiving in my mind\u2019s ear.”<\/p>\n

About Kronos Quartet<\/strong>
\nA non-profit organization based in San Francisco, the Kronos Quartet\/Kronos Performing Arts Association is committed to mentoring emerging musicians and composers, and to creating, performing, and recording new works.<\/p>\n

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