Archives 2021

Researchers are embarking on a mission to recreate the music of Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity from the Crusader era, dating back almost 800 years. The 13 bronze bells, buried by mid-13th century Crusaders near the church to safeguard them from potential destruction during a Muslim offensive, are a key focus of the project. Led by David Catalunya, a researcher from the universities of Oxford and Wuerzburg, the effort involves constructing facsimiles of the bells, a process expected to take about five years after completing the exploratory research phase.

The original bells, protected with animal fat against rust, still produce a clear, high-pitched chime when gently knocked, although their clappers have deteriorated over time. Catalunya acknowledges that the current sound is only half of the original, which was more robust and resonant. The bells were part of a carillon that accompanied chants inside the church.

The collection also includes 222 Medieval copper pipes from the Church of the Nativity’s organ, discovered in the early 20th century during construction at the church’s Franciscan compound. Father Stephane, the Custody’s liturgist, notes that the organ pipes are considered the oldest in Christendom. Additionally, the collection features the sceptre of the Bishop of Bethlehem and 12th-century candlesticks, believed to share a common origin with the bells and organ pipes, possibly from France.

Father Stephane expresses hope that the significant collection will be displayed and played at a Jerusalem museum planned by the Custody for opening in 2024. He emphasizes the cultural and symbolic importance of these artifacts, particularly the bells, as cherished symbols of the Nativity in the Christian world.

Globally, music enthusiasts are dedicating more time to listening to their favorite tunes, averaging about 18.4 hours per week, according to a survey released on Thursday. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), representing the recorded music industry, reported an increase from 18 hours in 2019. This substantial listening time, equivalent to approximately 368 three-minute songs, is attributed to various platforms, with listeners predominantly turning to subscription audio streaming, video streaming, radio, and short-form video apps like TikTok.

The “Engaging with Music 2021” study, described by IFPI as the largest of its kind, is based on the perspectives of 43,000 music enthusiasts in 21 countries. IFPI Chief Executive Frances Moore highlighted the findings, stating that fans are not only consuming more music but are also exploring new, dynamic, and immersive music experiences. The report emphasizes the role of music labels’ investments and the abundance of music licensed to streaming services in driving this engagement. Moreover, music has served as a source of comfort and healing during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study revealed a significant rise in music listening time through subscription audio streaming, with a 51% increase. Additionally, 68% of respondents reported searching for specific songs more than once a week. Short-form videos, livestreaming, and in-game experiences also gained popularity, with one in three individuals stating that they had watched a music livestream in the past year.

Regarding musical genres, respondents mentioned over 300 different kinds of music, including electronic dance gqom from South Africa and axé, originating in Brazil in the 1980s. Around 87% of participants claimed that music lifted their spirits during the pandemic, with 68% of 16- to 19-year-olds noting that new releases from their favorite artists provided solace.

However, the survey highlighted the challenge of unlicensed music, as almost one in three respondents (29%) admitted to using illegal or unlicensed methods to listen to or download tunes.

The Locomotiva Project in Brazil’s Sao Paulo state revolves around the innovative concept of creating musical instruments, specifically violins and cellos, from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. This initiative not only transforms pipes into instruments but also provides free music lessons to numerous young musicians. Ivan da Silva Oliveira, a luthier involved in crafting violins for the project, described the intricate process, involving 42 steps from cutting and heating the PVC pipes to framing and refining the instruments.

While the production is labor-intensive, it brings significant cost savings. Traditional violins crafted by luthiers can reach up to 8,000 reais ($1,540), depending on the wood used. Even an average violin costs around 800 reais, but utilizing PVC material reduces the cost to approximately 300 reais. Since the project’s inception in 2018, this cost-effective solution has enabled the organization to address the waiting list for instruments among youths aged seven to 17.

Conductor Rogério Schuindt emphasized the magic of turning a PVC pipe into a violin, creating music and engaging in various enriching activities. The project extends beyond violins, also producing cellos and establishing its own orchestra. The PVC pipes, typically employed in construction and hydraulic installations, are donated by the petrochemical company Braskem (BRKM5.SA).

The transformative aspect of this endeavor was highlighted by Gabriel Santos Espinoza, an 11-year-old student of the project, expressing the joy of knowing that a pipe that once carried water now resonates with music as he hugged his PVC violin.