The Musical Light Bulbs of Michael Vorfeld

By John Farrier in Art, Music, Video Clips on Jan 4, 2010 at 4:54 pm


(Video Link)

German percussionist Michael Vorfeld creates sound installations by turning different light bulbs on and off. The popping bulbs and flashing lights create a uniquely rhythmic experience for his live audiences. The above video is from a performance last February in Brussels.

Official Website via Urlesque


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  1. Nic
    Jan 5th, 2010 at 4:56 pm

    It’s likely most of the acoustic effect is due to the impulse response of the filament going through a rapid temperature change. A filament has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance, that is, a lower resistance when cold and higher resistance when hot (that’s why they burn out when you first turn them on), and also a positive mechanical coefficient in its dimensions. As the filament achieves steady state temperature after you turn it on, it expands in size generating a mechanical force. Hence, a sound.

    I still like the magnetorestrictive theory as well. There’s probably a little of that too.

  2. Alex
    Jan 5th, 2010 at 9:17 pm

    So, what’s the carbon footprint of this so-called art? ;)


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