German Info: Saxony Baroque Meets High Tech

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High-tech Violin to Premier in U.S. on Oct. 3

Out of a 300-year tradition for hand-crafting musical instruments of the finest woods and metals in Saxony’s Vogtland has sprung an instrument with a modern makeup and old sound, the high-tech violin. It’s strong, lush tone has been compared to that of the heretofore unmatchable sound of Stradivari and Guarneri violins. The instrument, made of a space-age carbon-and-glass composite, is the brainchild of Dr. Friedrich E. Blutner, a renowned specialist in psychoacoustics (the study of the perception of sound, the sensations produced by sounds, and problems of communication).

Dr. Blutner and his company Synotec, founded soon after German unification, are primarily involved in using advanced research, data mapping and analysis to design sounds that are pleasing to consumers or otherwise have the effect desired by food manufacturers, for instance. But at heart, the Erz Mountain native Blutner is a music lover.

A. Stradivari: Would he approve? DPA

So over a decade ago, he began using the technique he developed for mapping sound perception to develop a violin that would have the same sound quality as a Stradivarius, Guarnerius, or Amatius. In trying to recreate this sound, Blutner was in the company of many generations of violinmakers. But his own psychoacoustic measuring and analysis system gave Blutner the necessary edge

Tradition: A student in Markneukirchen learns to craft violins the old-fashioned way. DPA

From hundreds of test listeners and test violinists, he and his researchers created a massive database from which they could then draw precise links to the material and technical parameters necessary to design a violin that would sing like a Strad. He then handed these specs and the specially designed carbon composite material over to traditional violinmakers in the Sächsischer Musikwinkel (“Saxon Music Corner”). Thus, the Artesono was born.

Of course, it still requires the artistry of master musician to coax out the sounds that make the Artesono a sensation. On Tuesday, October 3, the Artesono will have its US debut at the Day of German Unity celebration at the German Embassy. The celebration is supported this year by the state of Saxony.

Saxony: Baroque Meets High Tech