vinkelinstrument

A vinkelinstrument, often translated as a "bending instrument" or "angle instrument," refers to a type of musical instrument where the sound is produced or modified by bending or flexing a part of the instrument. This bending action can alter the pitch or timbre of the sound in a continuous manner, allowing for expressive vibrato or glissando effects.

These instruments are diverse and can be found across various musical traditions. Examples include the musical saw, where the player bends a metal saw blade to change the pitch. String instruments, such as the violin or cello, also incorporate bending techniques through finger pressure on the strings, though this is typically considered a performance technique rather than a defining characteristic of the instrument itself. Instruments that rely heavily on air columns, like the clarinet or oboe, can also produce pitch bending through lip pressure or embouchure adjustments. The theremin is another notable example, where proximity of the player's hands to antennas controls pitch and volume, allowing for fluid, continuous pitch changes that can be described as a form of "bending."

The concept of a vinkelinstrument emphasizes the dynamic and malleable nature of sound production, moving beyond discrete pitches to embrace a more fluid and vocal-like expressiveness. The specific mechanisms and aesthetic applications vary greatly depending on the instrument and the musical context.