Hannah Ilea built a physical rendition of Steve Reich's "Clapping Music" using two flip-disc displays. These displays, commonly found in old train station departure boards, create a visual and auditory representation of the piece. One display plays a steady, repeating 12-beat pattern while the other shifts by one beat after every 12 cycles. The clicking sounds of the flipping discs, combined with the visual pattern changes, mimic the rhythmic structure of the original composition. The project showcases a unique intersection of music, visual art, and vintage technology.
This blog post details a fascinating project undertaken by Hannah Ilea, in which she meticulously recreated Steve Reich's minimalist composition "Clapping Music" using two meticulously synchronized flip-disc displays. The author, demonstrating both artistic vision and technical prowess, sought to translate the auditory experience of the rhythmic clapping into a visual spectacle through the controlled flipping of the individual discs on the displays.
Reich's composition involves two performers, initially clapping the same rhythmic pattern. After a set number of repetitions, one performer shifts the pattern by one beat, creating a complex phasing effect. This process continues until the patterns have completely diverged and then realigned. To emulate this on the flip-disc displays, Ilea embarked on a detailed process of programming and hardware manipulation.
Initially, the post outlines Ilea's selection of suitable flip-disc displays, highlighting the mechanical nature and visual appeal of these somewhat antiquated output devices. She elucidates her method of controlling the displays using an Arduino Mega microcontroller, explaining the intricacies of the wiring and the specific libraries employed for precise actuation of the individual discs.
The author then delves into the software development process, providing a detailed explanation of the code she wrote to translate the rhythmic structure of "Clapping Music" into instructions for the displays. The code, written in C++, meticulously manages the timing and sequencing of the disc flips, ensuring a faithful visual representation of the shifting rhythmic patterns of the original composition. Ilea also discusses the challenges she faced in synchronizing the two displays, emphasizing the importance of precise timing to accurately recreate the phasing effect central to Reich's work.
The post culminates in a demonstration of the completed project, showcased through a video embedded within the blog. The video vividly displays the two flip-disc displays performing "Clapping Music," with the individual discs flipping rhythmically to mirror the auditory patterns of the composition. The visual effect is mesmerizing, offering a unique and captivating interpretation of Reich's minimalist masterpiece, successfully transforming an auditory experience into a visually striking performance of mechanical choreography. The author successfully melds artistic expression with technical skill, resulting in a compelling and innovative presentation of a classic piece of minimalist music.
Summary of Comments ( 3 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42812787
HN commenters generally enjoyed the project, praising the creator's ingenuity and the pleasing visual/auditory result. Several noted the clever use of readily available hardware and appreciated the clear explanation of the build process. Some discussed the potential for extending the project, suggesting using more complex rhythms or different types of displays. One commenter linked to a similar project using split-flap displays, while another pointed out the similarity to a "flip clock" art piece they had encountered. A few users expressed interest in the code and hardware specifics, leading to a brief discussion of microcontroller choices and potential improvements to the driving circuitry.
The Hacker News post titled "Clapping Music for two flip-disc displays" generated several comments discussing various aspects of the project and flip-disc displays in general.
Several commenters expressed admiration for the project, calling it "delightful," "mesmerizing," and "very cool." The visual and auditory synchronization of the displays was a key point of appreciation.
One commenter delved into the technical challenges of controlling flip-disc displays, highlighting the difficulty in achieving precise and quick flips, especially when scaling to larger arrays. They questioned whether the creator used individual solenoids or a matrix approach for control. This spurred further discussion about the intricacies of driving these displays and the potential limitations of different control methods. Someone replied, confirming the use of individual solenoids, and pointed out the existence of more modern electromagnetic latching displays that offer quieter and potentially more reliable operation.
The conversation also touched upon the history and nostalgia associated with split-flap displays, often seen in old train stations and airports. This led to a comparison with flip-disc displays, noting the different aesthetic and mechanical characteristics of each. One user fondly recalled seeing such displays in a bank in the 1980s, highlighting the enduring impression these technologies can make.
The practicality of using these displays for conveying information was also debated. While some acknowledged their aesthetic appeal, others pointed out their limitations in terms of resolution and update speed compared to modern displays. The general consensus was that their charm lies more in their unique visual and auditory experience than in their information-display capabilities.
The clapping music itself also received some attention, with commenters appreciating the choice of Steve Reich's piece and its suitability for the medium. The rhythmic nature of the music lent itself well to the binary nature of the flip-disc displays.
Finally, the discussion extended to other types of electromechanical displays, such as nixie tubes and dot-matrix displays, demonstrating a general interest in retro display technologies among the commenters. One user even mentioned a large flip-disc display at their university, sparking curiosity and requests for pictures or videos.
In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post reflect a positive reception of the project, with appreciation for the technical ingenuity, aesthetic qualities, and nostalgic appeal of the flip-disc displays. The discussion extended beyond the project itself to encompass broader topics related to display technology, control methods, and the enduring fascination with retro electronics.