Musica Impulse Centre and Meakusma are collaborating with the Dunkirk artist Frédéric Le Junter to develop two related acoustic installations. la pluie joyeuse creates sound effects of rain and thunder by using different beaters and materials.
The installations will be set up permanently, one sound installation right next to the RAveL (Vennbahn), a breathtaking cycle path on the old railway through the East Cantons, connecting Aachen with Troisvierges (Luxembourg), and the other sound installation will reside in Het Klankenbos in Pelt, Flanders. A new ‘thread’ will thus be stretched between the two places via these installations. The vernissage of la pluie joyeuse in Sankt Vith took place on Sunday 27 August 2023.
The installation la pluie joyeuse (The soUndclOud) in Pelt is a collaboration between Frédéric Le Junter, Philippe Druez and Heide Bertram. This installation consists of three plates, each representing a cloud, placed at a height of about 2 metres. These plates are made of different materials, such as aluminium, plastic and corrugated sheet, each with its own unique sound character. The sound of rain is created by the beaters hitting these plates when a lever is turned. The combination of the plate and beater determines the timbre of the rain. Various materials such as flexible nylon bands, chains and corks on a string are used as striking materials. In addition, a pedal can be used to summon thunder by vibrating one of the plates.
Curious?
On Friday 22 September 2023 at 5 pm, the sound system in Het Klankenbos will be officially opened. During the opening in Pelt, Frédéric Le Junter will perform a part of the performance-installation Masses.
la pluie joyeuse is the result of a collaboration between Musica and Meakusma, with the financial support of the Flemish government and the German-speaking Community with the aim of promoting cultural cooperation and exchange between the two communities.
