Rope Transmitter

The sound library created as part of the Alpine Networks of Connectedness project comprises several hundred hours of cable car sounds from the Schächental valley in Uri. In addition to the sound sociology of important transport hubs and the documentation of characteristic operating noises, the main focus is on the "singing" known to the locals: these are spontaneous resonances of the cables when the ropeway is not in operation, when environmental influences trigger oscillations, sometimes lasting for hours. Thanks to a specially developed recording device ("Seilsender", i.e. rope transmitter), such "singing ropes" can be recorded at any time and unlimitedly. As a result, the sound library brings together a wide range of different sound and oscillation forms, including 24-hour takes with fascinating sequences, e.g. a sudden change in the weather or obviously human interactions. The website www.ropesinging.ch makes this unique data and metadata freely accessible for artistic and scientific applications. The project was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia.

Link: www.ropesinging.ch