FISH MUSIC

For muted string players and fish PREPARATION A large fish tank or aquarium stocked with fish is placed so that both performers and audience can see it. (If the piece is played in a public aquarium seats should be arranged so that all can see.) Five large strips of masking tape are placed parallel at equal spaces apart horizontally along the fish tank. These are large musical staves, which can be read in whatever clef is appropriate to each instrument. PERFORMANCE String players (muted) each choose one fish. As the fish glides behind the stave in either direction, up or down, play the notes it passes using glissandi. It is easiest if you follow the fish's eye. When the fish swims away from the front of the fish tank glass take this as a diminuendo. If the fish comes to the front of the tank take this as a crescendo. If the fish makes a sudden movement echo this on your instrument. If the fish remains static hold the note it has landed on. Apart from notes you pass through during glissandi all other notes are naturals (no sharps or flats)- white notes on pianos. Leger lines may be freely imagined or drawn more faintly. The piece lasts any length of time. ELABORATE VERSION A more elaborate version would have the string players playing as above, but adding a group of improvisers who have their backs to the fish tank and the strong players. They improvise over the string textures.

This piece was first thought of many years ago, but has gone through various versions. The first performance was in the canteen of Chelsea School of Art which, in those days, had an aquarium. A much later performance, in the mid 1990s, took place at Plymouth Aquarium and was filmed by Long Room Productions for the documentary "Sonic Harvest". This was just before the grand new aquarium was opened. The piece seems to have become an urban legend. I have been told about in America, and many times in the UK. It appears here published for the first time.

The first public performance was on November 2008 at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, Devon. The performers (apart from a large number of very impressive fish) were the strings of the Ten Tors Orchestra, plus improvisers Mick Green, Andy Visser, Kristian Sharp and Tim Sayer.