The Fall: Susan Philipsz's Immersive Sound Art Exhibition at Oude Kerk

This solo exhibition by Susan Philipsz filled the Oude Kerk with a composition by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, commemorating 400 years since his burial. The artwork featured a four-part harpsichord piece sung by the artist and presented through eight suspended silos.

Susan Philipsz's first solo exhibition in the Netherlands, 'The Fall', transformed the Oude Kerk into a resonant space featuring her interpretation of Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck's music. The exhibition marked 400 years since Sweelinck, a foundational figure in public concerts after the Reformation, was buried in the church. Philipsz presented a four-part harpsichord piece, 'Mein junges Leben hat ein End', by performing its soprano, alto, tenor, and bass lines separately. These vocal lines echoed through the vast church from eight suspended, pale green silos, with her untrained voice becoming clearer as visitors approached each one. The exhibition also drew inspiration from Albert Camus's novel 'The Fall', which explores themes of human fallibility and is set in the surrounding Red Light District. In addition to the main sound installation, Philipsz created a second sound sculpture, 'Broken Ensemble', for the Oude Kerk’s College Chamber, utilizing three organ pipes arranged on a platform to emit sounds described as "sighs from hell."

Visitors can find ticketing information via the provided link to the Oude Kerk's ticket portal. Admission details are managed through their official booking system.