Instrumental Transformers. Practical reapplication and re-contextualization from the older Hardanger fiddle aesthetic to a modern guitar

Abstract

The objective of this project is a reaction and interest to the aesthetical aspect of the early type of Hardanger fiddles. This study has established a time line which corresponds to the period where this type of instrument had been manufactured. The nature of this project which concerns the traditional arts has been the right path to explore the aesthetics of these musical instruments as historical objects. This research has met the issues given by the aesthetics in these instruments through historical methodologies, aesthetical analysis and a deeper exploration of the findings through a practical work. The results acquired by this research met a need for understanding these instruments through history and cultural context. A recognition of esthetic elements, arrangements and a phenomenon of the interaction between symmetry and asymmetry. Such information was a rich ground in where the practical part of this work found inspiration and influence for to develop a design for a modern product. This research is founded in the reapplication and re-contextualization from the older Hardanger fiddle aesthetic to a modern guitar.