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John Cage's 639-Year Organ Work Changes Chord in Halberstadt

other · 2026-08-05

On August 5, 2026, the John Cage Organ Project in Halberstadt, Germany, celebrated its 17th chord transition during the unprecedented concert ORGAN²/ASLSP, originally composed by John Cage in 1985 and later adapted for organ in 1987. This remarkable performance commenced on September 5, 2001, and is set to run until September 4, 2640, spanning an astonishing 639 years. The event pays tribute to a historic organ dating back to 1361, held in St. Burchardi church, which was restored specifically for this project. The recent shift moved from a seven-note to an eight-note chord, observed by both journalists and music enthusiasts. Anneli Borgmann contributed the new pipe, with the next change anticipated on October 5, 2027. Cage, born in 1912, is renowned for his contributions to experimental music.

Key facts

  • The 17th chord change of John Cage's ORGAN²/ASLSP occurred on August 5, 2026, in Halberstadt, Germany.
  • The performance began on September 5, 2001, and will end on September 4, 2640, lasting 639 years.
  • The piece was composed by John Cage in 1985 for piano and adapted for organ in 1987.
  • The duration honors a 1361 organ in Halberstadt, which was 639 years old at the project's start in 2000.
  • The concert takes place in the medieval church of St. Burchardi, restored with project funds.
  • The chord changed from seven to eight notes; the next change is scheduled for October 5, 2027.
  • Anneli Borgmann, president of the John Cage Organ Project, added the pipe.
  • Jeffrey Lependorf, executive director of the John Cage Trust, commented on the acoustic effect of the empty church.
  • Other performances of the piece include Diane Luchese's 14-hour 56-minute rendition in 2009 and Christopher Anderson's 16-hour version in 2022.
  • John Cage, born in 1912, is known for experimental music and the silent piece 4'33".

Entities

Artists

  • John Cage
  • Diane Luchese
  • Christopher Anderson
  • Anneli Borgmann
  • Jeffrey Lependorf

Institutions

  • John Cage Organ Project
  • John Cage Trust
  • Southern Methodist University
  • John Cage Organ Project Halberstadt
  • Burchardi Church

Locations

  • Halberstadt
  • Germany
  • St. Burchardi Church
  • New York
  • Dallas
  • Los Angeles
  • Glasgow
  • Scotland

Sources