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Len Lye: Composing Motion

Len Lye’s kinetic sculptures, whether stimulated by forces of nature (like New Plymouth’s Wind Wand), or by motors and gearing, swayed, rattled, whooshed and banged in organic streams of seemingly unpredictable sound. Divorced from the sculptures, however, it’s clear that the sounds were perfectly natural and logical, the equal of any pre-composed ambient soundscape or composition. It’s also clear that Len Lye was yet another Kiwi well ahead of his time. ‘Composing Motion’ contains detailed descriptions and illustrations of 14 of Lye’s eccentric, fascinating mobile sculptures and installations, with accompanying field recordings of their sounds. Produced by Wayne Laird for Atoll Records, with erudite liner notes by Andrew Clifford, this is great source material for soundscapers, improvisers and musicians seeking to expand their horizons. Apart from which, it’s simply intriguing and enjoyable. Played at medium volume, this album produces a sense of being surrounded by a warm, ever-changing but comforting sound environment, even when the sounds are at their most agitated. Truly, music of the spheres.

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