Tucked away in Kassel’s Park Schönfeld, the Baumstamm-Xylophon isn’t just a collection of logs. It’s the final note in a symphony of sound, a project almost two decades in the making. This “tree trunk xylophone,” as its name translates, is the tenth and final installation of the Klangpfad, or Sound Trail. The Klangpfad began in 2002 as part of Kassel’s bid for the European Capital of Culture. Professor Walter Sons envisioned a trail of sound installations, blending music, art, and nature. Over the years, this vision took root, growing into a unique experience for park visitors. Each installation offers a different way to interact with sound, from a Klanggitter (sound grid) inviting glissandos and tremolos, to the Baumstamm-Xylophon itself. The Baumstamm-Xylophon was officially completed on September 18, 2020. This pyramid of logs, some round, some edged, invites interaction. Two sides are open, allowing children to play within its structure. The logs themselves, ranging from 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter, become musical keys waiting to be struck. Sadly, Professor Sons passed away on September 2, 2024, at the age of 99. His legacy, however, lives on in the Klangpfad and the Baumstamm-Xylophon. It’s a place where nature’s music blends with human creativity, a testament to the power of sound and the vision of one man. So, take a moment. Let your fingers dance across the wooden keys. Become part of the symphony that echoes through Park Schönfeld.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to