The swing construction of “The Tree” is very special. First of all, there are two swings hanging here – parallel to the right and left of the trunk. But they don't hang from thick branches as is usually the case. Nor was the tree damaged and a pole drilled into it. The complex construction with arms on which the swings hang is essentially a cuff that nestles around the tree, comparable to the fastening principles used in climbing gardens and on tree walks.
Preserving construction and filigree mechanics
The old Toggenburg tree with its cuff seems to be solemnly waiting for something at the Klangweg. It extends an invitation: float for once instead of walking on. A small bridge leads over a stream to it and then you can fly through the landscape swinging alone or in pairs. The invitation holds a surprise. Each swing sets a delicate mechanism in motion high up on the trunk.
“I wanted to make something gentle, I wanted to make something loving, I didn't want just one effect, I wanted something to happen while you do something else."
As soon as the swing is in motion, the small instruments begin to strike each other at the top of the tree above the swinging people. From above, a light metallic sound falls down like the distant rustling of leaves. The two Basel-based musicians and constructors – drummer Fritz Hauser and kettledrummer and instrument developer Domenico Melchiorre – have hung small percussive instruments in the tree, which, depending on the vibrations, create an ever-changing sound panorama.
“A sound reminiscent of melting icefalls, snowflakes and flower petals, homesickness and the singing of angels. Then the other swing: a new spectrum of sounds, delicately shimmering and sweetly bright. A sound full of confidence and shooting stars."
The artists use an old principle – peaceful rocking – to create a miracle of sound. And “The Tree” is its refuge and guardian.
About the artist
Domenico Melchiorre is the founder of the instrument development company LUNASON, a composer, artistic director of DeciBells and principal percussionist of the Basel Symphony Orchestra. His works are published by Verlag Neue Musik Berlin. Domenico works closely with contemporary composers and regularly conducts performances of new works and contemporary programs. Fritz Hauser develops solo programs and percussion, which he performs worldwide. He composes for percussion ensembles and soloists, chamber orchestras and choirs. His sound installations can be found throughout Switzerland, including at the Architecture Museum Basel and the University of Zurich. He writes for radio plays or music for films and readings and workers across genres in the fields of performance, theater, dance or architecture. In 2022, he received the Swiss Music Prize.
melchiorre.ch ↗ fritzhauser.ch ↗
