Rodentia Violoncello

cello of wood & plexiglas, electronics,
mice, & sound
40" x 50" x 18"
2003

A cello partially reconstructed in plexiglass is inhabited by an ensemble of mice. Within the cello are sensitive “whisker” switches built with cello wire and piezo elements. When the mice trip the whisker switches, short prerecorded cello phrases are heard, while the piezos amplify tiny mouse scuffling. The result is an intermittent cello cacophony. Created for Homemade Instrument Day at Lincoln Center, NYC, curated by Brenda Hutchinson.