Shortest piece of music ever?

[jazzking]

What is the truth in the piece that was 'composed' that was actually total silence? This was a few years ago, and some daft pill"*ks paid to not hear it? But I was wondering if there was a serious piece written, not a study that lasts only a few seconds?

[Matt]

not that i know of. i do however know a piece that apparently is going to go on for like 6 centuries or something - i think they've just reached the first chord or something. tempo was like 1 beat per year.

[jazzking]

Wow! Hyperventilate before you start blowing is my tip. and a bucket at the side of the music stand, and a regular takeaway order and a..

Don't forget the coffee..... ?

[tremolo]

6 centuries and music which is total silence? how?

[jazzking]

Depends on your perception of sounds and natural occuring harmonics in the atmosphere. Did you know the rotation of the earth generates a humming, extremely sub bass, so could you call that 'music' as it, in theory has a tenable tone? That would be one idea? Bloody stupid if you ask me, but there you are?

[Matt]

Earth in C; Jupiter in Bb; why not? plus that'd be the longest piece of music ever!

[jazzking]

Hey, Matt.... You've just come up with the planet suite! Love Mars by the way. Anyone else got a favourite planet piece?
On that note, a question, which part of the planet suite was turned into I vow to thee my country? Answers on a postcard please. To Jazzking on Mars. ;D

[~*~Ruth~*~]

I love Jupiter (i vow thee to my country-aren't i clever jazzking? ) The second violin part is really nice in it so it's my favourite!

sort off topic, my sister comes from Saturn apparently!

[tremolo]

jazzking said:

Depends on your perception of sounds and natural occuring harmonics in the atmosphere. Did you know the rotation of the earth generates a humming, extremely sub bass, so could you call that 'music' as it, in theory has a tenable tone? That would be one idea? Bloody stupid if you ask me, but there you are?

nice idea though!

[Matt]

so, we're probably not going to find a piece that's really short, so let's work it down from something else. brahms first symphony, third movement, about 8 mins long or so. anything shorter, post below.

[jazzking]

The minute waltz? Was it Chopin? Blimey can't remember...?

[tremolo]

yes it's chopin, but the minute waltz doesn't necessarily last one minute i think. still shorter than 8 minutes though.

[jazzking]

I wonder where the title came from? I betcha that someone was in a hurry one day! Played it quick, there you go. I used to play with a guy calles fats Baxter, his real name was Pete. He is in the guiness book of records as the worlds fastest trombone player! I can't remember how long it took, but he played the sailors hornpipe theme on tv and it was digitally recorded to make sure he hit every note, then played back at the normal speed. He was something else to hear. We used to do jazz clubs together, but he is an old gentleman now. Lets have a competition. Who can play it the quickest? All tounged by the way! Thanks for the info on the Chopin.

[monkey laydee]

jazzking said:

What is the truth in the piece that was 'composed' that was actually total silence? This was a few years ago, and some daft pill"*ks paid to not hear it? But I was wondering if there was a serious piece written, not a study that lasts only a few seconds?

That was the John Cage piece yessh?

[Matt]

we've had times in orchestra where we've started a movement and no sooner has the piece started he's shouted at us.

btw, does anyone else have the 'four minute challenge'?