# Aeolian Harp

> Generative art and sound app simulating a wind harp with interactive particle systems. (iPhone/iPad app by Uwe Oestermeier.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aeolian-harp/id374133120 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Uwe Oestermeier](https://appshunter.io/developer/374133123)
- Category: Music, Music, Games
- Price: $1.99
- Rating: 4.92/5 from 13 App Store ratings · 60 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 33 MB
- Languages: English, German
- Released: 2010-06-14
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aeolian-harp/id374133120/reviews.md

## What is Aeolian Harp?

The Aeolian Harp is named for Aeolus, the ancient Greek god of the wind. Wind harps are the oldest forms of automatic music. The app uses the wind harp as a metaphor and allows the user to create relaxing animations and sounds without musical knowledge.

Touches and strokes generate visualizations and sounds which evolve in time.

User defined parameter and color schemes can be used to explore the manifoldness of the underlying particle system.

The compass can be used to locate the following instruments in the four directions of the winds: Balalaika, Celtic Harp, Guitar, Gamelan, Guzheng, Kalimba, Koto, Marimba, Orchestral Harp, and Sitar. Each of these instruments can be assigned to a compass direction with a double tap on a cardinal point.

The acceleration sensor is used to simulate the impact of gravity on the flowing particles. (You must increase the impact of gravity in the parameter settings to see the effects.) Other parameters can be used to control the duration of the sounds. Endless loops, for instance, can be created by a reduction of the evaporation parameter and an increase of the elasticity of the particles.

Snapshots of the animation can be sent via e-mail.

Recommended for headphones and external speakers (especially the speakers of the iPod and iPhone may distort high and low sounds).


Featured by Apple in Hot Trends 2010 - Generative Art & Sound

## Key features

- Generative sound and animation creation
- Interactive particle system
- Customizable parameter and color schemes
- Virtual instrument locator via compass
- Acceleration sensor for gravity simulation
- Adjustable sound duration and loops

## Recent user reviews (10 of 60)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aeolian-harp/id374133120/reviews.md

### 5/5 — GRose

*2020-11-01*

The app is a magnificent piece of art for those with ears to see 🙂. Yes ears to see.

### 2/5 — Its okay

*2020-05-28*

Its alright. No AU support or anything.

### 4/5 — Won’t play in background.

*2019-10-19, version 1.4.2*

Why would you NOT design it to play in the background for like, reading something or looking at art. Since no updates in 4 years, I don’t expect anything to happen from this developer. For what it is, it is fun and relaxing.

### 5/5 — Fun and relaxing!

*2019-05-13, version 1.4.2*

This app does not model a traditional Aeolian harp sound, but rather uses wind and gravity algorithms to play the instruments in a unique way. Several variations, several modes, several instruments. Gravity and wind is optional. Pleasant sounds of plucked instruments carry on long after initial input. In other words, a fun little sound app with a lot of flexibilty!

### 5/5 — my aeolian harp

*2017-11-29, version 1.4.2*

truly beautiful app - have had for years now and the sounds still make me happy and bring such contentment to my world 

thanks ever so much!

### 3/5 — Recording

*2017-01-10*

Doesnt seem to record properly

### 5/5 — Xoxo

*2016-10-29, version 1.4.2*

Love this

### 5/5 — Beautiful 🌄

*2016-04-15*

Awakens the creative flow & relaxes the busy mind. Great stress reducer, stunning visuals. Highly recommend it!

### 1/5 — Hmm

*2013-09-18*

Total waste of time and money, zero pleasure.

Very glitchy - menus gradually corrupt over time and also parts of the main game screen suffer glitches.

Also, the volume is terrible, at times barely audible unless through decent ear/headphones.
 
Don't buy this its useless.

### 5/5 — Aeolian Harp

*2013-09-05*

Magnificent concept and execution of the concept itself !!!! From all aspects ,to be able to 'compose' sounds of nature , to being able to see the notes play out before your eyes in colours that you have chosen is indeed magical !!! I have NEVER encountered such a uniquely thought out app that can captivate my attention for so long !!!
I LOVE THIS APP !!! I hope to see more apps of this caliber from the developer !!

## Frequently asked questions about Aeolian Harp

### What is the Aeolian Harp app?

The Aeolian Harp app allows users to create relaxing animations and sounds without needing musical knowledge. It uses a wind harp as a metaphor, generating evolving visualizations and sounds through touch and strokes, with user-defined parameters and color schemes.

### What are the key features of the Aeolian Harp app?

Key features include the creation of generative art and sound, an interactive particle system with customizable parameters, a compass to locate virtual instruments, and the use of the acceleration sensor to simulate gravity's impact on particles. Users can also control sound duration and create endless loops.

### Is the Aeolian Harp app free to use?

Yes, the Aeolian Harp app is free to use. Based on the provided information, there are no in-app purchases or advertisements, indicating a completely free experience for users.

### What devices is the Aeolian Harp app compatible with?

While specific device compatibility isn't detailed, the app is recommended for use with headphones and external speakers for the best audio experience. It mentions distortion on iPod and iPhone speakers for high and low sounds, suggesting compatibility with iOS devices.

### How can I create endless loops or control sound duration?

You can control the duration of sounds and create endless loops by adjusting parameters within the app. Specifically, reducing the evaporation parameter and increasing the elasticity of the particles can lead to endless loops.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4.2 — 2015-06-03

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Bug fixes and support for iOS 8

### 1.4.1 — 2012-12-13

Supports the display of the new iPhone 5.
Bug fixes for iOS 6.

### 1.4 — 2012-07-20

The new version of the Aeolian Harp allows you to play with more expression in a direct and intuitive way. The finger-area sensing technology distinguishes between accented and soft notes by measuring the area of the touches. The steeper the angle of your finger, the smaller the resulting touch-area and the softer the sounds.

- Sounds and animation can be recorded and send via mail.

- An optional filter reduces the number of dissonant intervals of the echo effect.

- The fading of the strings can be disabled to enhance the playability of the Aeolian Harp as an instrument.

- Supports the retina display of the new iPad.

- Improved speed of graphic routines.

### 1.3.1 — 2011-04-03

Bug fix version for iOS 4.3.1.

### 1.3 — 2010-10-27

You can use the snapshot function to save your preferred combinations of parameters, colors, and sounds as new coverflow items.

The correspondence between sounds and visualizations has been improved. The reverberation of the echo effect has been extended. This allows to listen longer to events without engagement.

The instructions explain the parameters, settings, and menu items now in more detail.

Improved support of the retina display.

## Apps similar to Aeolian Harp

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Mix Bus Compressor](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mix-bus-compressor/id1467711076) | 4.4 (9) | $5.99 | Music |
| [PolyHarp](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polyharp/id961772600) | 4.9 (11) | $4.99 | Music |
| [Quincy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/quincy/id726270481) | 4.9 (8) | $11.99 | Music |
| [Hillman Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hillman-synth/id1488336769) | 4.4 (18) | $10.99 | Music |
| [samplerSequencer HD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/samplersequencer-hd/id430175640) | 2.3 (3) | $1.99 | Music |
| [Echo String™](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/echo-string/id416742601) | 3.0 (2) | $1.99 | Music |

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*