Open Country Aeolian harps on Wicken Fen
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Aug 21, 2025 Sound artist Kathy Hinde, known for her immersive sound sculptures, discusses her project 'Listen to the Voices of the Fen' celebrating Wicken Fen's rich biodiversity. She shares insights into crafting a mystical aeolian harp that sings with the wind, emphasizing mindfulness in woodworking. The conversation also touches on the significance of Wicken Fen as a habitat for endangered species and features local volunteer Gerard Smallwood, who highlights the workings of a historic wooden windpump. Join them on a journey through sound, landscape, and conservation.
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Fen Soundscapes Inspire Experimental Listening
- Kathy Hinde found Wicken Fen's wind through reeds to be a captivating sound that inspired her work with aeolian instruments.
- She uses hydrophones and geophones to reveal hidden fen sounds and bring people on listening walks.
History And Sound Of The Aeolian Harp
- Kathy explains the aeolian harp as an instrument played only by the wind and recounts its ancient and Romantic-era history.
- She notes Victorian window harps and that the instrument produces only overtones, giving it an eerie sound.
Make A Simple Wind-Played Harp
- Use local materials and simple tools to build a functional aeolian harp in a short workshop session.
- Repurpose willow, a tin, nylon strings, pegs and a bridge to create a playable wind-driven instrument.
