Unsilent Night sounds like it could be something disruptive. Well the sounds involved in this public aural movement, according to creator and composer Phil Kline when he spoke to New York's WQXR, are quite the contrary. Kline says his composition, amplified by dozens, sometimes hundred of boomboxes, is "an electric massage of Adventy stuff."
Unsilent Night is an electronic composition meant to be heard outdoors in December. The music takes form in a street promenade while coming out of boomboxes (or any other music playing device). The street promenade, which has taken place in 101 cities and four continents since 1992, will take place in Louisville tomorrow (December 17) at 6:30 p.m.
The event takes place because each person gets one of four tracks of music in the form of a cassette, CD, or Mp3. The unique sound comes from all four parts being played simultaneously. Participants then carry their speakers playing the music around the neighborhood creating a unique soundscape for everyone around.
This piece of music has inspired a holiday tradition everywhere it has been performed. Kline started writing the piece in 1992 and it has been performed since. Cities from Baltimore and Brussels to Milwaukee and Montreal will be participating this year.
Tomorrow's Unsilent Night event in Louisville starts at ARTxFM's studio at 829 East Market Street. Once there, the group will walk around the neighborhood for 45 minutes and finish at Decca for DJ Aaron Rosenblum's live Radio Presque Rien show. Participants are instructed to show up at 6:30 p.m. so they can all press play at 6:45 p.m.
There are three simple steps to be involved in this event. The first step is to choose how you will be amplifying the music. You could use a boombox, portable speakers, or invent your own sound rig. Your smartphone can connect to just about anything with an aux cord these days. Step two is to get one of the four tracks. You can get access them by picking an mp3 file from their website (unsilentnight.com) or mobile app or you can pick a cassette or CD from one of the organizers of the event. Step three is post, tweet, and record.
This is an artistic event that relies solely on audience participation. The more people, the more extraordinary the event can become. Try out a new and unique way to celebrate the holidays.
For more information about the event and Louisville's involvement, check out their website at unsilentnight.com
Photo courtesy of New Music Collective.
