Clients: Merlin Shepherd
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Merlin Shepherd is a clarinettist who specialises in playing ‘klezmer’ music – the Jewish instrumental folk music of Eastern Europe. Merlin has composed scores for numerous dance and theatre companies; performed the world premiere of ‘Kol Simcha’ by Adam Gorb for London Musici; appeared in a variety of international performances and television and radio programmes; been Musical Director for The Royal National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London; and was the Klezmer Advisor for the Royal Shakespeare Company for their 1992 production of Anski's ‘The Dybbuk’. Merlin also works as the music co-ordinator for KlezKamp and KlezFest London, and has taught at a variety of festivals throughout the world. As one of the world's leading players of traditional East European klezmer music on the clarinet, as well as his own ensembles, Merlin has also worked and toured throughout Britain and Europe with a number of renowned klezmer acts.
Merlin Shepherd required a website that would showcase his remarkable range of work. The site needed to feature a range of information about Merlin Shepherd and his music, teaching and projects, whilst capturing the evocative, playful and soulful spirit of his music.
Lively, expressive and extremely interactive, Sound in Theory worked with Sam Norland to create an impressive full-flash website for Merlin Shepherd that brims with character. The beautiful imagery of the site was painted by Sam – a talented artist with a brilliant imagination. From the sheep with red eyes to the exploding well, the strange multi-eyed creatures living in ponds to the green hills that roll into the background, Sam captured the spirit of klezma music in a weird and wonderful, beautiful and sinister countryside scene.
Sound in Theory ensured that when we brought this countryside scene to life on the web, we made it remarkably interactive. Rather than being just a passive experience, visitors to Merlinshepherd.co.uk are invited to explore. And unlike many flash sites, the elements of interactivity are not predefined – Merlinshepherd.co.uk keeps people occupied with genuinely interactive flash items, including a well that you can explode, hedgehogs that run away from the cursor and a scary creature that jumps out from its lair. Each interactive element leads the visitor to a different section of the site, which includes Merlin’s biography, his musical projects and the history of klezma music. A flash music player features a range of Merlin’s music, so visitors can listen to his tunes as they explore and play with his wonderfully interactive flash site.
Responsibilities for Merlin Shepherd