The Hyper-Zampogna.

This paper describes a design for the Hyper-Zampogna, which is the augmentation of the traditional Italian zampogna bagpipe. The augmentation consists of the enhancement of the acoustic instrument with various microphones used to track the sound emission of the various pipes, different types of sensors used to track some of the player’s gestures, as well as novel types of real-time control of digital effects. The placing of the added technology is not a hindrance to the acoustic use of the instrument and is conveniently located. Audio and sensors data processing is accomplished by an application coded in Max/MSP and running on an external computer. Such an application also allows for the use of the instrument as a controller for digital audio workstations. On the one hand, the rationale behind the development of such augmented instrument was to provide electro-acoustic zampogna performers with an interface capable of achieving novel types of musical expression without disrupting the natural interaction with the traditional instrument. On the other hand, this research aimed to provide composers with a new instrument enabling the exploration of novel pathways for musical creation.