Melodic Embrace
Wood and steel
2m x 2m x 2m
2023
Melodic Embrace is an interactive public musical sculpture originally conceptualized for and exhibited in The Hidden Gardens, an urban green-space and community development organization on the south side of Glasgow.
The sculpture invites visitors to nestle inside its melodic embrace, be playful, find comfort and create tunes with a harmonious doming effect. The soothing harmonies of the chimes are in spirited dialogue with the surrounding soundscape of birdsong and prayer sounds from the nearby Gurdwara, perpetuating the idea of an aural sanctuary.
The sculpture echoes Emil’s music upbringing, but veers away from his classical music training, using notes from the pentatonic scale, a musical scale associated with cultures from all around the world.
Melodic Embrace offers an opportunity for visitors to come together and create impromptu compositions and new harmonies.
In May 2024 Melodic Embrace was exhibited in Elliðaárstöð, former power station turned public outdoor area, as part of the exhibition “Kindred”. There the harmonies of the chimes complemented the surrounding birdsong, a flowing river and children’s laughter; again perpetuating the idea of an aural sanctuary and a space of joy.
