Explanation of the project version 1
The
Grand Piano hangs suspended above water level from a harbour
crane (or similar)
The
instrument may remain in this position for an uncertain period of
time , to be viewed, to stimulate speculation
There
are a number of special microphones and a camera installed in- and
outside the soundbox of the instrument; the sustain pedal is fixed
depressed
a
At a fixed point of time
the piano is dropped from a certain height into the floods of the
harbour
b
The initial impact of the
piano hitting the surface should get the (especially) lower string section to
respond in a veritable piano - sound; a triad ... a cluster ... any sound
really
c
The piano will now
commence its meandering, spinning journey to the ground of the sea harbour.
On its way down the microphnoes and the camera are recording, and
transmitting onto shore, any ever so minute sound and visual event
d
Eventually the Grand
Piano hits the ground with a more or less sudden thud and with a -
hopefully- final musical response
The
audio - video recordings of stages a, b, c, d are to be presented on
screen or monitor to an audience ashore (by means of repetitive clips
perhaps)
version
2:
There is an alternative approach to the project; less entertaining, less spectacular... more straight, more pure in its outlook. This way of presentation reduces Water Music to merely:
The
spectacle of fixing the piano to the harbour crane
The
anticipation, the expectation
The
bruitistic, but none the less poetic act of dropping the Piano into the
harbour; all further traces being barred by the engulfing element water.
this project was conceived for the World Music Days Kobe 2000