THE MUSICAL SIREN

a new musical instrument

There’s a newcomer in the parley of musical instruments, an instrument with a range and timbre to rival the violin: the Musical Siren. Incredible to think that the humble air raid siren could produce such eloquent music; and it took Franz Clochard, artist-inventor, to recognise its pure sound and astonishing capabilities.
20 years of artistic and technological R & D have led to the creation of the seven-piece Siren Orchestra: a piccolo, two sopranos, two altos, a tenor and a bass.
The orchestra is ‘conducted’ by robotics: 71 control systems piloted by 105 processors allow the sirens to interpret the musical score.

How a standard Air Raid Siren works

The siren produces sound by sucking in air (solid arrows) as it rotates, which is then fragmented and driven through the horns (dotted arrows). The faster the rotation, the higher and louder the sound.

How a Clochard © Siren Works

In order to make the Siren sing, there are three principles involved:

  • Precise control of the turbine speed (using the motor) gives full range to the Siren
  • Controlling the airflow to the Siren (using the shutters) gives attack, expression and subtlety
  • Muting the horns modifies the volume of the sound produced, allowing closer proximity to the audience.
Precise and highly responsive technology regulates turbine speed and controls airflow, keeping the musical Siren in tune and giving it colour and tone.