Germany's 639-year organ performance reaches its 17th sound change

HALBERSTADT, Germany — A long-running organ performance of John Cage's "ASLSP" inside the historic St. Burchardi Church in eastern Germany marked its 17th sound change since the project began in 2001, with the final note not scheduled to sound until September 4, 2640. The piece, originally composed for piano in 1985 and adapted for organ two years later, was launched on September 5, 2001 — the 89th birthday of the late composer — in the eastern German city of Halberstadt. The first sound did not emerge until February 5, 2003. Organizers said the work's 639-year duration was inspired by a famous organ built in 1361. In August 2026, more than 150 people gathered at the church for the latest change, as an eighth pipe was added by hand. An electric bellows keeps air flowing continuously through the instrument while staff carry out each manual transition between notes. Only about 4 percent of the total duration has been completed so far. The next sound change is scheduled for October 5, 2027, when the number of sounding notes will be reduced to seven.