Skipping ropes have the capacity to make a range of sounds, according to their length, frequency and material composition. The idea is to therefore harness this characteristic by assembling and conducting an orchestra of skipping experts.

The initial compositions would resemble the minimalist pieces of Phil Niblock, whom I naturally really like (if he happens to be reading this - how likely is that?) Other musical styles are possible, with a few modifications to the rope, by the introduction of reeds spliced into the fibre, and taking advantage of the beats made by the dancing feet. The performers could also sing, in a breathless sort of way as they whirred and tap danced through (for example) a medley of Tiny Tim's forgotten masterpieces...
-- xenzag, Mar 02 2006

umumumumumumumumumumumu http://www.touchmus...phillipniblock.html
mumumumumumumumumumumum [xenzag, Mar 02 2006]

Sounds like a work-out version of Stomp http://images.googl...6lr%3D%26ie%3DUTF-8
[fridge duck, Mar 02 2006]

Didn't Malcolm McLaren / Trevor Horn use the whirring of ropes as the intro to "Buffalo Gals"? [edit] Or was it "Double Dutch"? Yes, that seems more likely.
[+]
-- coprocephalous, Mar 02 2006


It is a testament to [xenzag]'s inventiveness that this is quite a pedestrian and sensible idea for him.
-- wagster, Mar 02 2006


+ I love this and I'll tell Phil about it.
-- xandram, Mar 02 2006


[old composers sit up in their graves]

At last! the missing link instrument between wind and percussion.

...and wouldn't it be great to see hundreds of 'ghetto' kids suddenly in big demand for orchestra positions around the world.
-- ConsulFlaminicus, Mar 03 2006


But...you're skipping all the good parts.
-- 2 fries shy of a happy meal, Oct 17 2008


I actually did get to meet Phil Niblock last year, after experiencing one of his performances (a most brilliant night).
-- xenzag, Oct 17 2008



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