Martin Noble-James is a Felbrigg gardener by day and an audio experimentalist by night. Ahead of presenting Bio-sonification Live from the walled garden in Blickling this weekend, he explains how he uses technology to turn the biorhythms of natural objects into sound
This summer, the magic of plant music is brought to life at two celebrated National Trust Walled Gardens in Norfolk. Bio-sonification Live is a series of outdoor events featuring real-time collaborations between musician and gardener Martin Noble-James and plants from the Walled Gardens of Blickling Estate and Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate. Such ‘sound gardens’ are having a moment, with another featured in The Octavia Hill Garden by Blue Diamond with the National Trust, which was on display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Visitors closer to Norfolk can choose from a mix of daytime events and special late openings throughout June-September to experience two of the county’s most beautiful gardens in a different way.
Bio-sonification is a relatively new musical form that uses technology to turn the biorhythms of natural objects into sound. All plants produce tiny electrical impulses in response to stimuli, such as wind, sunlight and the process of photosynthesis, and use them for internal communication much like a human’s nervous system. Using sensors similar to an ECG machine, Martin assumes the role of composer and translates the electrical impulses produced by plants into musical notes, using a homemade analog synthesizer. He sets certain rules for the synthesizer to follow, such as a specific key or tempo, and its logic circuits choose only those notes which fit those rules. Sounds created using individual plants can then be layered, forming a unique piece of polyphonic music.
By night an audio experimentalist and by day a Felbrigg gardener – Martin has expert insight into the plants he makes playful and relaxing music with. Last year, he filled one of the glasshouses in Felbrigg’s Walled Garden with a pre-recorded installation, Animal Vegetable Mineral, made using the plants it contains. He also sound-tracked part of Felbrigg’s The Wolves of Wild Wood Hall winter trail with ‘twinkly’ and ‘squelchy’ sounding mushrooms.
The Bio-sonification Live series is the first time he will create music in front of an audience, with factors like the weather affecting the inner workings of plants and influencing the live composition.
Martin says: ‘I’m really looking forward to people of all ages getting interested in the processes inside living plants. Bio-sonification is an engaging way of showing that beneath a calm exterior there is an awful lot going on. I’m interested in making music where I don’t have control, in collaborating with something unaware of its artistic role and sharing it with a live audience. As well as National Trust places, I’m proud to be performing at community gardens in and around Norwich this summer. These small gardens have a hugely positive impact on the people involved in tending them and those who visit.’
The Walled Gardens at Blickling and Felbrigg reach the peak of beauty in summer and are much-admired for their mix of formal structure, innovative planting and looser natural forms.
Bio-sonification Live at Blickling Estate, takes place at Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June, 2-4pm; then at Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate on Thursday 18 July, Thursday 15 August and Thursday 12 September, 7-9pm. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk. Bio-sonification Live events are suitable for all ages. Standard admission charges apply, with free entry for National Trust members. Assistance dogs only.
Featured image of Martin Noble-James in a glasshouse in Felbrigg’s Walled Garden by Mark Hions-Neale
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