I was introduced to Barbara Hero about twenty years ago by a friend of mine, Steve. I was living in the Sedona area, and there was to be a gathering of people dealing with Energy, Music, and new technology for health and healing, both mental and physical. I invited her to our home and had her introduced at the conference. She became my mentor.
I learned so much from her and was gifted a keyboard. We traveled to many different conventions, and it was amazing how well she connected with various frequencies and with knowledge of art, music, light, and sound. I visited her off and on until her passing. She opened up my source from within, and that is how I was able to connect and create the wands I now have available.
The Barbara Hero Lambdoma Keyboard is a unique musical instrument that combines elements of research in acoustics, musical theory, and innovative design. Its primary aim is to provide musicians with an intuitive way to explore and create music, making it particularly appealing to those interested in alternative tuning systems and experimental music.
Background
The Lambdoma concept originates from the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras, who studied the relationships between numbers, pitches, and harmonics. The Lambdoma is a grid that represents these relationships, revealing how different frequencies interact. Barbara Hero has taken this concept and modernized it into a usable instrument, offering musicians a distinctive approach to music creation.
Design and Features
The Lambdoma Keyboard’s design is visually striking. It is typically laid out in a grid, with each key corresponding to a specific harmonic frequency. The keys may be arranged to represent different scales and tunings, allowing for a wide range of musical possibilities. The keyboard may include electronic components, such as sensors and MIDI capabilities, enabling it to connect to digital audio workstations (DAWs) and other equipment.
Tuning Systems
One of the most compelling aspects of the Barbara Hero Lambdoma Keyboard is its exploration of alternate tuning systems. Unlike the standard twelve-tone equal temperament tuning found in most Western music, the Lambdoma allows musicians to experiment with microtonal scales and just intonation, providing a richer tonal palette. This can lead to unique harmonic textures and a greater range of expressiveness in performance.
Educational Value
The Lambdoma Keyboard isn’t just an instrument; it’s also a valuable educational tool. It provides insights into musical geometry, acoustics, and the mathematical relationships between notes. Musicians and students can use the Lambdoma to visualize scales and intervals, making it easier to understand complex musical concepts. Workshops and tutorials on keyboard use can enhance musical education, encouraging greater creativity in learning.
Applications in Music
Musicians across various genres can find value in the Barbara Hero Lambdoma Keyboard. It is particularly suited to experimental, ambient, and new-age music, where unconventional sounds and harmonies are celebrated. Composers may use it to develop new compositions, while performers can use it to improvise or create soundscapes. The keyboard’s ability to create rich textures makes it ideal for sound design in film and theater as well.
Community and Collaboration
The Lambdoma Keyboard has fostered a dedicated community of users and enthusiasts. Many musicians share their experiences and compositions online, creating a collaborative space for exploration and creativity. This community also contributes to the ongoing development of the instrument through feedback and shared insights, helping to refine its features and applications.
Conclusion
In summary, the Barbara Hero Lambdoma Keyboard represents a fascinating intersection between music, mathematics, and technology. Its unique design and emphasis on alternative tuning offer musicians an innovative tool for creativity and exploration. Whether used for performance, composition, or education, the Lambdoma Keyboard embodies the endless possibilities of music. As this instrument continues to gain popularity, it is likely to inspire a new generation of musicians to explore the vast landscapes of sound and harmony. It is now turned over to a group, I believe in Japan.