We know by now that art has no boundaries, but sometimes you can’t help but be surprised by the innovations coming in from around the world, whether it’s the work itself or the innovative processes that are astounding. On one hand, technology has been amplifying creative potential more and more, but on the other hand, conventional and manual techniques are constantly being reinvented. When it comes to music, we have reported on some pretty unusual instruments, such as Brazilian Narcélio Grud, who uses junkyard scraps in his work or Di Mainstone’s Serendiptichord. We’ve even compiled a list of 9 of the Most Bizarre Musical Instruments You Have Ever Seen, such as the great stalactite organ or a guitar made from an AK-47 rifle.Now, let us introduce you to Ice Music—music played on instruments made completely from ice. In 1999, Norwegian musician Terje Isungset started to make instruments (including acoustic guitars, harps, didgeridoo, xylophones, and a trombone) sculpted from ice pieces that were carefully extracted from the glacial lands of his native country. Nowadays, the artist travels around the world playing concerts with singer Lena Nymark. He has already put out 10 albums, the first of which, Iceman Is, was released in 2002. He recorded in the Ice Hotel in Sweden, since the instruments require an ambient temperature between -5°C and -30°C to keep from melting. His concerts must be carried out at locations free from wind, rain or snow, and each piece only endures a single performance.In 2006 he created the IceMusicFestival, which takes place during the first full moon of each year in the mountains of Geilo, Norway. The atmosphere is impressive, with a great ice stage assembled and decorated with pieces of ice and lights. The team’s work is difficult and very dangerous, as great blocks of ice are extracted from lakes and transported to be sculpted at the Festival’s site. The video below shows people preparing for the Festival and gives some insight on how instruments are created.One last thought: we hope his mouth doesn’t get stuck when he plays the wind instruments…
FYI.
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Terje Isungset Makes Instruments Out of Ice (And They Work!)
Norwegian man produces ice-sculpted instruments and an amazing annual ice music festival.