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Halberstadt 639-year John Cage organ

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2026-08-05 16:36 UTC → 2026-08-20 15:32 UTC · added removed

Halberstadt 639‑year 639-year John Cage organ

The John Cage composition ORGAN²/ASLSP, begun on 5 September 2001 in the medieval Burchardi Church in Halberstadt, Germany, is designed to run for 639 years, ending in September 2640. After 25 years of continuous, unattended play, the project reached roughly four percent of its total duration. In August 2024 a rare chord change added an eighth note, expanding the organ’s pitch range from seven to eight simultaneous tones. The alteration was carried out manually by organ builder Johannes Huefken and noted by John Cage Trust director Jeffrey Lependorf, who praised the new sound. Project chairwoman Anneli Borgmann confirmed that the change is part of a series of scheduled adjustments, with further tone changes planned for October 2027, 2028 and 2030. On 5 August 2026 2026, the organ received its 17th chord change: a change. A new A‑pipe A-pipe was installed, again extending expanding the chord from seven to eight notes simultaneous tones and marking roughly 4 % of the composition’s total span. resulting in a slightly brighter sound. Project chairwoman Anneli Borgmann described the addition as creating a “richer sound carpet,” while John Cage Trust director Jeffrey Lependorf said noted that listeners “feel it through your whole body.” The next planned change remains slated performance utilizes a specially constructed organ that employs a continuous airflow system and small sandbags on the keys to maintain notes for October 2027. extended periods. The ongoing work has also supported the restoration of the ruined church, including a new roof and a blower system that supplies continuous wind to the instrument, attracting visitors who experience the evolving soundscape as they move through the historic space. church. The next scheduled tone changes are slated for October 2027, 2028, and 2030.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-20 15:32 UTC Halberstadt 639-year John Cage organ
  2. 2026-08-05 16:36 UTC Halberstadt 639‑year John Cage organ
  3. 2026-08-05 11:35 UTC Halberstadt 639‑year John Cage organ

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