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Organ's Power: From Bach to Rock's Edge
22 Jul
Summary
- Royal Albert Hall's Willis organ has 9,999 pipes and is 155 years old.
- Experimental musicians like Jonny Greenwood and Kali Malone use organs.
- Pianist Igor Levit's anti-fascist song performance was cancelled in Germany.
The Royal Albert Hall's magnificent Willis organ, a 155-year-old instrument boasting 9,999 pipes, is a central feature of an upcoming Prom concert. While traditionally associated with composers like Bach, a new wave of musicians is reimagining the organ's capabilities.
Pioneers such as Jonny Greenwood and Kali Malone are transforming the pipe organ into a medium for contemporary expression. Malone's work draws from ancient tunings, while Greenwood's compositions aim to evoke the sonic history of performance spaces. Other artists like Anna von Hausswolff and Claire M Singer are also expanding the organ's sonic palette.
Separately, in Germany, pianist Igor Levit and rapper Danger Dan faced last-minute cancellation of their anti-fascist song 'Keine Angst' from a satirical news show. The broadcaster cited lyrical content violating program guidelines, though hosts argued it was a political decision. This incident has fueled debate on censorship and cultural responses to rising right-wing movements in Germany.
