Although Changed, I Arise the Same

This work is written for saxophone, voices, sound design and the reconstructed pipe organ — a self-built instrument.

A core fascination over the last few years has been exploring the personification and timbral potential of pipe organs. As a saxophonist, I find there is an intrinsic link between myself, the saxophone and the organ. I approach the organ like I do the saxophone — an extension of my own body — tied to air and breath. This journey culminated in the creation of this organ, which consists of pipes rescued from old churches across Northern Jylland. Over a series of months, I drove around and met with old organ builders and collectors. I gathered as many pipes as I could.

To me the pipe organ is akin to a synthesiser. It is a distant instrument, both in time and space. It has roots in antiquity and is over 2000 years old. When it plays, we crane our necks, looking up to the balcony or even further — we face away from it, to the front as it plays behind us. So, I wanted to bring this creature closer to people. To present it reassembled yet still fragmented, for it to be approachable and known. I felt a connection between this pipe organ that uses its breath (spiritus/ånde) to create sound and the spirit (ånd) dwelling inside that weaves throughout every inch of this creature until it flows out, filling the room.

Featuring: Johanna Sulkunen & Zola Mennenöh: (Voices )| Simon Mariegaard (Sound Design) | Calum Builder (Saxophone & Pipe Organ)