99% Invisible As Slow As Possible
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Jul 9, 2024 Gabe Bullard, a reporter based in Basel, Switzerland, shares his experience witnessing the 639-year-long performance of John Cage's 'Organ2/ASLSP' in Halberstadt, Germany. He uncovers the astonishingly slow pace of music that invites deep reflection, as this chord change only occurs every few years. The conversation dives into the historical significance of the Halberstadt pipe organ, unique keyboard innovations, and the philosophical implications of such a meditative project. It’s a fascinating exploration of time, sound, and art that challenges our perception of music.
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23 Years Late
- In February, attendees of a concert in Halberstadt, Germany, arrived 23 years late to hear a chord change.
- The performance, "ORGAN2/ASLSP (As Slow As Possible)", is a 639-year-long piece by John Cage.
Music as Sound
- John Cage, the composer, challenged traditional music notions with pieces like 4'33", which consists of silence.
- He explored the concept of music as simply sound, not requiring inherent meaning.
Piano's Limits
- Early attempts to play ASLSP on piano were limited by the instrument's mechanics.
- A piano note's duration is limited by the string's vibration, preventing extreme slowness.
