The piece started off life as a multiple-speaker installation-with  each speaker playing the sound of an instrument-group continuously. The speakers were spaciously placed, so visitors would literally walk through the orchestra. While wandering, the focus shifts from one instrument-group to the next. As the listener moves through the installation  the drones sonic character changes slightly, taking in each instrument details, imperfections and characteristic.  It’s a simply idea, but it really does work in a most captivating way.

For this CD version Zuydervelt has created a stereo mix of the piece- so instead of physical moving through the sound, Zuydervelt leads us through the sound of one  instrument-group after another. Praise must be given to the wonderfully recording & definition of the drone through-out, as each instruments sonic identity is clearly defined in its sound.

The 150 collaborators play a vast range of instruments, going from string & wind groups, through to pianos, electric/ acoustic guitars & various types of voice sounds. So even through this is all based around one single note, it never becomes tiresome or monotonous as the instrumental players are always shifting.

With out a doubt Stayed Tune is one of the more rewarding & re-playable drone based releases in recent memory, and well worth a look even if your not normally a fan of the drone genre.