Lisa Spalding

Music Minor Capstone D21

The Aeolian harp is a mysterious and ancient instrument, known throughout the centuries for its ability to produce eerie and mysterious tones when wind blows over its strings. This experiment and paired musical composition are both ways of exploring the properties of a wind harp. The instrument was placed inside a wind tunnel and recorded with different tunings while varying the wind speed. Analysis of these recordings provides confirmation that an Aeolian harp follows the general pattern predicted by fluid dynamics, but a few aspects differ from predictions made by the equations. These recordings were also used to create a composition from the sounds of the harp and those of nature. The composition is made of three parts, each representing an elemental force – earth, ocean, and wind, yet blending together to make a cohesive whole. The composition was inspired by the history and unique, eerie sounds of the Aeolian harp, and is publicly accessible on YouTube.

The paper, the composition and some harp recordings from the project are below.

Link to Final Paper: Analysis of an Aeolian Harp