The cross-fertilization of musical instrument making and composition

What can the instruments and acoustic experiments of “sound magician” and organ builder Georges Cloetens (1871–1949) tell us about timbre, music, and technology in the early 20th century? How are musical instrument making and composing related? A creative approach to organology allows us to explore these questions by engaging with both practices. Starting with his orpheal and lutheal, and expanding to the other innovative instruments in the series, this research project considers their potential and value, both then and later, in respect of musical expression.