Sonde’s Sahibi: The Evolution of a Sound Source
Evolving out of Mario Bertoncini’s Musical Design workshops at McGill University, Sonde quickly gained attention in Canada and around the world. Starting from exploratory games and meditative improvisations, the group uses electroacoustic techniques to explore the sonic possibilities of various materials. Often, the musicians happen upon a sonic source whose musical qualities surpass all expectations. Such is the case with the sahabi, a metal frame strung with dozens of metal strings. Two of these sound sources were built and have been frequently used by group members since 1976. The sahabi should therefore be recognized as a legitimate musical instrument. But what challenges come with this semantic shift? This article answers that question, drawing on the author’s interview with Charles de Mestral, inventor of the sahabi and an important figure on the Quebec new music scene.