Description
Sixxen for Hire
The sixxen is a metal-keyed instrument invented by Xenakis. It is tuned mathematically to produce six sets of micro-tonal scales, each consisting of 19 notes. This design produces a clash of harmonic overtones and shimmering glissandos. It's name is a combination of the words 'six' and 'Xenakis'. Pléïades is divided into four parts whose titles refer to the materials from which the instruments are made and to the sounds that the latter produce. Listening to the sixxen immediately makes us think of the Indonesian gamelan, in particular those from Bali, and of the instruments used in festive music in Japan, of Mediterranean church bells and Alpine cowbells.
The sixxen is a metal-keyed instrument invented by Xenakis. It is tuned mathematically to produce six sets of micro-tonal scales, each consisting of 19 notes. This design produces a clash of harmonic overtones and shimmering glissandos. It's name is a combination of the words 'six' and 'Xenakis'. Pléïades is divided into four parts whose titles refer to the materials from which the instruments are made and to the sounds that the latter produce. Listening to the sixxen immediately makes us think of the Indonesian gamelan, in particular those from Bali, and of the instruments used in festive music in Japan, of Mediterranean church bells and Alpine cowbells.