"The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni in Paola, Malta is a Neolithic subterranean structure dating from before 3000 BC. A necropolis and a place of sanctuary, it comprises several chambers carved out of the rock with primitive tools. The sophistication of its creators is evident from the intricate patterns painted in ochre on the ceilings and the entry of light from the surface, which is thought to have illuminated the façade of one of the main chambers at the winter solstice.

"For the musician, of particular interest is a niche in the middle chamber, the Oracle Room, apparently created specifically to project sound throughout the Hypogeum. It has also been suggested that the structure resonates at the ‘holy frequency’ of 111 Hz (actually nearer to 118 Hz, to this composer’s ear), a feature shared with other Maltese temples and structures of the period. Whatever the truth of this assertion, the strong resonance in the source recording is one of the main features of Hypogeum, along with the evocation (through signal processing, predominantly granulation) of drumming and chanting, which may have figured in the rituals performed there.

"Thanks to Stuart Fowkes for instigating this wonderful project, and to Dave Webb for his fantastic recording of the Hypogeum, made in August 2008. His original file (with some dynamic processing) is the only source material used in Hypogeum and is embedded more or less in full within the piece, starting at around 1:23."

Hypogeum, Malta reimagined by Jonty Harrison.

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This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights.

Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage

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