"I just want it to be a sound" (out of sync)

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The experience of hearing different overtones creates a captivating atmosphere, as it seems to emanate not just from the organ but also from the surrounding environment. This evokes feelings of giddiness and being overwhelmed, stemming from the realization that the project will continue long after one's lifetime. The juxtaposition of haunting and unsettling aspects with moments of peace and humor underscores the complex emotional responses triggered by prolonged sound. The reference to an organ chord played for an extended 639 years raises existential questions about purpose and presence in such a timeless project. Furthermore, the connection to an archival interview with John Cage highlights the notion that discussions about music ultimately revolve around the essence of sound itself.

When you go to a concert, you might try to get there right when the doors open. Or perhaps you take your time and skip the opening act. But generally, you want to be there when the show starts. In February, everyone who went to a concert in Halberstadt, Germany, showed up 23 years late. The performance is of a piece called ORGAN2/ASLSP. ASLSP stands for “as slow as possible,” which is how the composer meant for it to be played, and this particular day would involve a chord change. The last time ORGAN2/ASLSP had a chord change was in 2022, and this new chord will play until the next change, in August, 2026. There is a change the year after that, and the following year, and so on, until the year 2640. The full performance is meant to last 639 years. Reporter Gabe Bullard travels to Germany to witness the chord change and to discover why such a concert is even happening in the first place.

As Slow As Possible

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