Cosmic Breath

2023, 18 channel sound, 5’25”

This immersive sound installation features collected recordings of the adhan (call to prayer) from distant places and time. Within this constant there are a multitude of variations. 18 unique recordings are amplified through 50cm diamater horn speakers, most commonly used for projecting the adhan from minarets, arranged in a 9m semi-circle. The audio includes both contemporary and historical recordings: a late 1800s recording taken from the Haram Mosque in Makkah-considered to be the first ever recording of the adhan, as well as the earliest recording from the Magindana in the Philippines. Among contemporary contributions we hear the call from Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jeru- salem, and the Sultan Mosque in Singapore, which was the first mosque to use loud speakers (1930s) to amplify the adhan. These are heard alognside voices as far away as Kaga Japan, Tibilisi Georgia, Durban S. Africa, Cologne Germany, and Hamtramck Michigan US. These different locations add unique sound textures that evoke their en- vironment and community. The work is designed for each voice to heard both individually and simultaneausly with the others.

To hear the sound piece please email a request.