A Worship Idea I Want To Explore…

OK, here is something I’ve had on my mind for a while. During the MIDI Sequencing Intermediate course earlier this year, the lecturer Michael Moss outlined a fascinating art installation he developed. It involved linking seven switch enabled chairs linked via MIDI remote to seven musical loops hosted in Reason. As people sat on the chairs it triggered the loops in a medley style. So, whilst there was one composition, the way it is played varied depending on how many people sat on the chairs and in what order. The installation was picked up by the Boston Children’s Museum.

For Michael’s most recent installation (with artist Claudia Ravaschiere), Precious, neighbours were asked to name the most precious thing in their life. The these samples were linked to 200 gold chains suspended in a room. As you walk through the space touching a chain triggers one of the samples as well as some backing music. There is an NPR feature on this installation here.

My idea (and it is only an idea at this stage) is to create a contemplation space with various triggers linked to a set of loops (sound, music and voice) that can create a possible soundtrack. However, the actual experienced soundtrack would be created by the movement of people through the space. There are a number of possible applications (stations of the cross, installation exploring faith in the city, ambient contemplative prayer) and the technology would be feasible for most electronic musicians with the patience to set it up.