This new release from composer, sound artist and pianist Helen Anahita Wilson is a 45-minute soundscape created by taking unique, natural bioelectricity readings from plants in the oncology section of the Chelsea Physic Garden, London. These plant signals were then converted into musical data.

Helen says, “Each of the 28 plant recordings express their own special patterns of pitch and rhythm: the petal recordings are very active with a variety of different notes and rhythms whilst the branch and trunk recordings are slow moving, with drone-like textures.

Once the bioelectricity recordings were converted into separate musical data tracks, I assigned an instrument to each of these 28 parts. For example, the petals of the Madagascan Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus – pink form) are played by the harp and the bark of the English Yew tree (Taxus baccata) is played by the viola. The birdsong and rainstorm are field recordings triggered by signals from a small Sisal (Agave sisalana) and an Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), respectively.

I combined these instrumental lines and applied compositional processes of editing and development to create a unique piece of plant-derived music.

At times, such as the opening minute of the piece, all the plant recordings are sounded together as an ensemble. At other points in the piece, particular plants take the role of a soloist with just a couple of plants accompanying quietly in the background.”

This beautiful, atmospheric, calming and ambient music can be enjoyed by anyone, but the piece is dedicated to people undergoing treatment for cancer, and was inspired by Helen’s own challenging but ultimately successful experience of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy. Many chemotherapy and other anti-cancer treatments are derived from plants: exactly the same plants recorded in this piece of music.

“Linea naturalis offers a means for people to connect back to nature whilst receiving treatment in the sterile, unnatural environment of a hospital or cancer centre. This music aims to demystify cancer treatment through highlighting the natural derivation of many drugs.” (Helen Anahita Wilson)

Linea naturalis is available to download via Bandcamp. All proceeds from this music will go to Maggie’s, a charity offering care and support to people with cancer across the UK.

Do listen and share.

Hear Helen talking about the project on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme (from c2:51)

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