:|: click to enlarge :|:

music on a long thin wire is a modern classic by Alvin Lucier. The piece, created in 1977, was a sound installation for audio oscillator and electronic monochord. In other words, a really long wire made to vibrate at a constant pitch like the open string of a violin. Because of the effects of a magnet (as seen in the above image) and the environment, the string does not sound the constant tone but instead departs into eerie and fascinating sonorities.

On May 18th, 2005 I recreated this famous piece in the foyer of Roy O. Disney Hall at California Institute of the Arts. The string sounded for approximately three hours before it was turned off leaving a palpable void in the space. The entire length of the event was recorded and some short exerpts can be heard below. For more information on Alvin Lucier please visit his website.

audio clip 1 || 0'21" mp3