In the small town of Halberstadt in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, an extraordinary musical performance is taking place that defies the typical timeframe of a concert. The piece being played is John Cage's "As Slow As Possible" (ORGAN2/ASLSP), known for its enigmatic requirement for duration; the composer left it open-ended, leading to one of the most prolonged and unique interpretations in music history. Cage, an American avant-garde composer, crafted this work originally for piano in 1985 and adapted it for organ a year later, emphasizing an unhurried tempo that allows for reflection and transformation over time.
This unique performance began on September 5, 2001, and is set to continue for a remarkable total of 639 years, ending in the year 2640. The duration was not arbitrarily chosen; it references the first documented permanent organ installation in 1361 at the Halberstadt Cathedral, which occurred 639 years before the year 2000, marking this as a tribute to the evolution of organ music over centuries.
The organ used for this performance is specially built, consisting of weights and mechanical elements designed to hold notes for extended periods, and new pipes are added as needed by the score's demands. The slow change of notes, which occurs approximately every few years, becomes a significant event, drawing visitors and enthusiasts from around the world eager to witness these rare moments.
Currently, the next note change is scheduled for the year 2640, adding a layer of contemplation and anticipation to the piece. Each note change is surrounded by varied interpretations and discussions about the meaning of time, the interpretation of music, and the legacy of one of the most innovative composers of the 20th century. Cage's emphasis on silence and the ambient sounds that occur during the pauses between the sparse notes make "As Slow As Possible" a profound experience, merging music, performance art, and temporal exploration into a singular, centuries-spanning event.
This ongoing performance challenges the audience's perception of time and music, offering a space where both can be contemplated in an almost meditative state. It's a musical piece where the act of listening intertwines with personal and historical introspection, reflecting Cage's fondness for blurring the lines between art and life, sound and silence.
