Amsterdam
Completed

Susan Philipsz's "The Fall": A Sound Installation Exhibition at Oude Kerk Amsterdam

Experience this unique contemporary art installation exploring music, history, and melancholy within a historic Amsterdam setting.

Susan Philipsz's acclaimed exhibition, "The Fall", marked her first solo presentation in the Netherlands. It transformed the historic Oude Kerk in Amsterdam with an immersive sound composition. The work drew inspiration from Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck and delved into profound themes of music, architecture, history, and human emotion. This unique installation offered visitors a deep auditory exploration within a significant cultural landmark.

About The Fall at Oude Kerk in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for The Fall at Oude Kerk in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

Susan Philipsz's first solo exhibition in the Netherlands, 'The Fall', filled the Oude Kerk with a sound composition inspired by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck. The exhibition marked 400 years since Sweelinck's burial and explored themes of music, architecture, history, and melancholy.

Curatorial context

Susan Philipsz's exhibition 'The Fall' was her inaugural solo show in the Netherlands, presented within the historic Oude Kerk. The exhibition centered around a sound composition derived from Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck's four-part piece 'Mein junges Leben hat ein End', marking the 400th anniversary of Sweelinck's burial in the church. Philipsz individually vocalized the soprano, alto, tenor, and bass lines, which resonated throughout the vast church space from eight suspended, light green silo-like structures. The intensity of her voice became clearer upon approaching these elements, creating an immersive auditory experience. The exhibition also drew inspiration from the French writer Albert Camus's novel of the same name, which is set in the surrounding Amsterdam Red Light District (Wallen). In addition to the main installation, Philipsz created a second sound sculpture for the College Kamer, titled 'Broken Ensemble', which produced sounds akin to 'sighs from hell' emanating from three organ pipes.

Admission and ticket notes

The page provides a link to purchase tickets for the Oude Kerk and general visitor information, suggesting that admission to exhibitions like 'The Fall' is likely covered by general entry. Visitors are directed to the official ticketing portal for details.

The Fall key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for The Fall at Oude Kerk in Amsterdam

Venue
Oude Kerk
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Until Apr 6, 2021
Artist line / attribution
Susan Philipsz created this sound installation, featuring vocal performances of her own interpretation of Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck's work.
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