„The proof of the music is in the listening“. 2017 marks the centennial celebration of Marcel Duchamp's Fountain — a welcome occasion for the twelfth edition of shut up and listen! to focus on current artistic approaches towards the phenomenon ‘ready-made’. Thinking about ready-made in a sound-related context suggests a focus on the listening process itself, thus field recordings and other ‚concrete‘ hearing perspectives come to mind instantaneously. At the same time, object-oriented aspects of auditory perception — process-related or continuous sound developments, audio-sculptural manifestations and the sound qualities of everyday objects — are in the center of attention.

In the participatory opening performance REGAL PLEASURES (OFF-THE-SHELF), a standard metal shelving rack sounds while being constructed. German sound artist Erwin Stache relates to acoustic qualities of everyday objects as well, giving one of his rare solo performances, and additionally exhibiting a selection of his highly imaginative sound objects (Klänge aufgeräumt) which may be explored throughout the festival. The specifically assembled Phonography Ensemble features Angélica Castelló, Martina Claussen, Barbara Kaiser and Billy Roisz, improvising on the basis of untreated field recordings.

The second festival evening takes off with the sound universe of filter coffee machines performed by Ernst Reitermaier, representing the institut für transakustische forschung. Peter Ablinger condenses Beethoven’s Symphonies into a 40 seconds long listening experience, yet not leaving away a single note. In his work RENATE FUCZIK, ‘historic’ voice recordings of the Austrian telephone speaking clock are combined in real-time with piano sounds, while In G juxtaposes the ‘sound object’ cello with subtle environmental sounds. Oliver Stotz realises Steve Reich‘s Pendulum Music, for four microphones and four amplifiers. On Saturday, an hour-long excerpt of Leif Inge's 9 Beet Stretch, a 24-hours long sound augmentation of Beethoven’s Ninth, is presented as a listening space / sound projection, being followed by the annual festival brunch.

Permanent festival contributions include Peter Ablinger‘s Hinweisstücke, a series of 'reference pieces' hinting at specific listening strategies. With a 'Duchamp Memorial Wall', Bernhard Gál comments on the ready-mades Bicycle Wheel, Bottle Rack and Fountain. Petra Sandner presents a new series of paintings and, last not least, the Viennese ‚street poet’ Helmut Seethaler is invited to occupy Echoraum’s staircase with his thoughts.

... let’s READY!

Support: BKA Kunst, Stadt Wien (MA7), SKE-Fonds