Akio Suzuki developed the Analapos echo instrument in the 1970«s. It is based on the acoustic transmissions of a spiral cord that is stretched between two metal cylinders. "muro biko" (engl. inner space echo) combines different types of these instruments. The spiral cords of the echo cylinder hang from the roof truss and, swinging widely, overcome the large distances of the big nave with an almost graphic ease. Short vocal impulses that are emitted via a small loudspeaker to the cylinders transform into temporally fanned out echoes. The close relationship between spatial and temporal distance can be audibly perceived. Sounds that are absorbed from three other Analapos types are emitted from small loudspeakers in

the high side cupolas of the nave. These more percussive sounds create continuous sound processes that circulate in the room and are set to the short vocal echo impulses.

howling objects

Two bamboo sticks that can be turned slowly, two simple radio sets and two small transmitters that are hidden in bamboo - in "howling objects", a piece designed for the belfry of the Parochial Church, Akio Suzuki proves to be a master of thrifty artistic dexterity. Softly howling feedbacks between the finely tuned radios and the transmitters hidden in the bamboo sticks can be heard that change themselves with the position of the bamboo and also by the movement of the visitors. The heavy cavelike architecture of the belfry with its raw stone walls seems to have been transformed by softly flowing motion.

Staged as part of JAPAN IN DEUTSCHLAND 2000    
With the support of the Ev. Georgen-Parochial Community, Berlin Senate for Science, Reseach and Culture, Initiative Neue Musik Berlin, Berlin artist programme of the DAAD. Special thanks to ContribNet, cyan and others.
© fotos Roman Maerz