An organ in Halberstadt, Germany, is playing a single musical composition at an exceptionally slow pace, a performance art project that began in 2001 and is set to conclude in 2640.
The John Cage Organ Project Halberstadt, located in the Burchardi Church, is performing "ORGAN²/ASLSP (As SLow aS Possible)" by American avant-garde composer John Cage. The project commenced in 2000, with the performance beginning on Sept. 5, 2001, on what would have been Cage's 89th birthday. The music, initially a silent pause, began audibly on Feb. 5, 2003.
A chord change on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, marked a minor milestone, adding an A4 pipe and moving from seven to eight notes. This change represents approximately 4% completion of the 639-year endeavor. The composition is scheduled to finish on Sept. 4, 2640.
An electrically powered blower system provides wind for the organ. Chord changes occur manually, either by adding new sounds or ending existing ones. The longest units of the composition can last years, with individual notes sustained for months or even years.
Jeffrey Lependorf, executive director of the John Cage Trust, described the experience of the music as something felt throughout the body, resonating in an "incredible way." Cage, who died in 1992, offered only the instruction to play the piece as slowly and softly as possible.
The project has contributed to the restoration of the Burchardi Church, which was previously in ruins. Funds were raised for a new roof and other renovations to facilitate the performance. The sound produced by the organ is designed to envelope visitors within the church, with subtle movements altering the auditory experience.
The 639-year duration of the performance is a tribute to a historic organ in Halberstadt that dates back to 1361, which was 639 years before the project's initiation in 2000. The extended timeline allows for contemplation of Cage's legacy and the role of future generations as custodians of the piece.
Organ builder Johannes Hüfken noted that the pipes created for the project are built to last at least another 500 years, emphasizing a forward-thinking approach to art and preservation. The project prompts consideration of what the world might be like by 2640, including the survival of the church, the city, and potential impacts of climate change.
Wednesday's chord change was the 17th in the composition's history. The next change is scheduled for Oct. 5, 2027, when the E4 pipe will be released, reducing the overall sound. "Final tickets" for the concluding performance in 2640 are currently being sold for 2,640 euros (approximately $3,045).