Thursday, April 2, 2009

The Largest "Seashell" in the World

If you want to listen to your typical orchestra, you can check out the San Francisco Symphony any time. If you’re looking for a something a little more natural, then head over to the Marina District for some acoustic thrills straight from the San Francisco Bay.



Built from stones that were supposedly taken from a Gold Rush cemetery and powered by the ocean, the Wave Organ uses pipes that lead into the water to get you groovin’ to the aquatic beats. When Peter Richards conceptualized the sculpture, he originally based it off an audio recording of water going in and out of a concrete dock in Australia.



The Wave Organ, which is located at the end of Yacht Road and not far from the Golden Gate Bridge, and was built more than 20 years ago, has been providing a unique audible experience to those who come and listen. Put your ear up to any of the 25 pipes, and you’ll be sure to hear something, even if it might sound like a toilet flushing.


View Larger Map

The best time to visit is during high tide, but only if you’re willing to get up at 5:30 a.m., or maybe even earlier. If coffee won't be enough to get you movin' that early, head over in the evening for a soothing sunset by the shore. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to sit in the stereo booth, complete with pipes for your own not-so-private studio session.

2 comments:

  1. I really appreciate this blog post. I absolutely love how you took something so simple, nature, and turned it into a fun activity that everyone can enjoy. The San Francisco Symphony is always enjoyable, but something about the natural sounds you taped are extremely appealing. I love how it’s not on the map. It’s almost as if you revealed a secret to us. I also appreciate that you told your audience when the best time of day to go it.
    I have to admit, after I read your blog, I tried to find it. Luckily I was successful. What I really enjoyed was that you didn’t leave anything to the imagination. There are a lot of people, that will see your blog, that cannot take a drive to the Marina District. In your blog you accurately illustrate the Wave Organ in your description.
    Although you couldn’t completely hear the “music,” your audience can appreciate the sample you did provide. They are able to get an idea of what to expect upon their arrival.
    What I love best of all is that this post stays consistent with the theme of your blog. It is so completely accurate. BAY AREA BIZARRE, TAKE A WALK ON THE OTHER SIDE… The Wave Organ fits into that category perfectly. Although there are so many great things about this blog post, I would have loved to learn more about the history of the Wave Organ. It would be nice to learn more about Peter Richards and George Gonzales and the reasoning behind their creation.
    On the other hand, the article that was attached was very helpful in getting some kind of an idea. Overall this blog post was an absolute pleasure to read. This post also convinced me to take a trip that I normally would not have taken.

    ReplyDelete