Janet Cardiff: The Forty Part Motet

Program Introduction\n\n"The Forty Part Motet" (2001) is one of the most iconic works by Canadian sound artist Janet Cardiff, a stunning sound installation that transports audiences into an extraordinary musical dimension. This work is an innovative reimagining of the 16th-century polyphonic choral masterpiece "Spem in Alium" (Hope in Any Other) by English composer Thomas Tallis. To create this piece, Cardiff recorded each of the forty members of the Salisbury Cathedral Choir individually. She then arranged forty speakers in a massive oval formation, with each speaker dedicated to a single voice, creating a complex and layered auditory experience.\n\n## Highlights\n\nAs visitors step into the center of the installation, sounds shift fluidly between the speakers, creating a surreal, immersive space that places the audience directly among the choristers. The artist, Janet Cardiff, treats sound as a sculptural medium, aiming to build a physical and virtual space where audience members can choose their own path through the soundscape. This exhibition is a milestone collaboration between M+ and The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. It masterfully bridges contemporary art and classical music, offering a rare opportunity for art lovers in Hong Kong to explore the depth of sound art.\n\n## Ticketing\n\nThis exhibition is organized by M+ and The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and is free for public admission. For more details, please visit the official M+ Museum website.