A longwinded concert?

John Cage - photo © David O. Garcia
I’m not sure what to make of this: In a centuries-old church in the German town of Halberstadt, an organ recital that began seven years ago (yes, that’s right, seven years ago) continues and has made the news this week with a breathtaking development - a chord change. In 1987, American composer John Cage created a piece for organ titled Organ²/ASLSP (As SLow aS Possible). A performance of the work in Baltimore’s Towsond University earlier this month lasted a record 14 hours and 56 minutes (longest performance by a human, that is…read on). The current performance in Halbertstadt dwarfs even that remarkable effort as it enshrines Cage’s work in an unprecedented way. 639 years - that’s how long the current ASLSP performance, begun in 2001, is planned to last. How’s this being accomplished? Sandbags hang from the pedals of an organ in the church of St. Burchardi, Halberstadt, endlessly sustaining each successive strain of the piece, and once every year or so someone moves a bag, turns a lever or otherwise starts, stops or changes the pitches in accordance with the eight-page score. BBC World News was in Halberstadt this week reporting on the progress. Click here to watch the video. I recommend also the BBC Radio broadcast on this story.

I’m reluctant to apologize for feeling that this is all a bit absurd (brings to mind some earlier ramblings, Elliot Carter, John Cage and The Emperor’s New Clothes). But actually, the more I reflect on it, I do find the project interesting and thought-provoking, and I’m sure I’d more than enjoy visiting this concert-in-progress someday. A member of the John Cage Foundation in Halberstadt commented that “…it teaches us patience . . . The world goes on, and we must not hurry.” Pilgrims to the church remarked on the “beauty of slowness” and its absence in our lives. One gentleman called the church “an aural lighthouse”. It certainly appeals to a uniquely human characteristic, the desire to be part of something larger than ourselves. The thought of making music - even a longwinded organ piece - that bridges centuries and generations is exciting. Almost anything takes on significance after 639 years! For more info, check out the website of the John Cage Organ Project.

John Cage photo used with permission. © David O. Garcia

February 11, 2009 | Filed Under John Cage | Leave a Comment