Atlas Eclipticalis at Fort Worden

Atlas Eclipticalis (1961-1962)
The Dan Harpole Cistern
8:30pm, August 22, 2008
Free admission

Performed by:

• Matt Kocmieroski, percussion
• Walter Gray, cello (cello, Seattle Symphony)
• Tom Heasley, tuba
• Stuart Dempster, trombone, conch shell, assorted musical mayhem

We're honored to present a special performance of one of the 20th century's most notable compositions by John Cage, in the unique environs of the Dan Harpole Cistern at Fort Worden.

To compose the Atlas Eclipticalis, the renowned composer John Cage used the Atlas Eclipticalis 1950.0 (an atlas of the stars published in 1958 by Czech astronomer Antonín Becvár), superimposing musical staves over the star-charts in this atlas. The brightness of the stars was translated into the size of the notes in the composition. The work, commissioned in 1961 by the Montreal Festivals Society, was completed in 1962 and comprises 86 instrumental parts (for full orchestra) “to be played in whole or part, any duration, in any ensemble, chamber or orchestral."

Our performance of Atlas Eclipticalis will take place in the Dan Harpole Cistern at Fort Worden State Park. Nearly two-hundred feet in diameter and fourteen feet deep, the cistern was originally built as a water supply system when Fort Worden was a military base. Now, the empty cistern’s 45-second reverberation time is popular among recording artists.

Seating for the performance will on the meadow above the cistern. We'll be piping the music up in surround sound so that your experience will mirror that of the musicians down below.

We're starting the performance at 8:30pm in the hopes that audience members will be able to see the stars as they enjoy the music. Since it will be dark, and possibly chilly, please bring a flashlight, warm clothes, and a lawn chair (if you desire).

 

We'll have volunteers on hand to guide you to the cistern, and disability access will also be provided, but you can also download a map to help you get to this special concert.