Hannah McGreevy is introduced to music played by plants
If plants could make music, how would it sound? I talked to Hannah Peel about a show that might just hold the answer to that question. The BBC Radio 3 presenter will be sharing her newfound enthusiasm for all things green on her late-night programme on Tuesday, with a distinctive selection of verdant tunes spanning East to West.
Hosted by Peel and Sara Mohr-Pietsch, is an immersive audio experience featuring an eclectic mix of music. The show is characterised by a use of continuous sound through seamlessly smooth transitions.
only started in September 2019, but many have found it to be a calming solace during lockdown. Fans have shared how listening to the show helps them wind down before sleep, go on relaxing walks and even focus on their office work.
On Aug 18 at 11pm,
takes a sonic stroll through midnight gardens across the world, with an episode dedicated to the music of plants. While certain tracks might prove too far-out for some, this beautifully curated programme delivers an intriguing experience for musiclovers and gardeners alike.
Given Radio 3’s typically classical music base, I was pleasantly surprised to hear contemporary pieces: Stevie Wonder’s features, as well as the Radiohead track
The show even opens with
an underrated track from David Bowie’s album, inspired by his visit to the Moss Temple of Kyoto.
Peel explains how her penchant for electronic music alongside her producer’s more classical leanings has produced a uniquely varied musical selection. I was particularly captivated by Yosi Horikawa’s
The Vegetable Orchestra with their instruments
Gull, with Peel’s commentary revealing that recordings from the land itself were used to create its distinctive musical textures.
These contextual interjections really enhanced my appreciation of the music. For example, I enjoyed hearing Peel’s description of a recent performance of Puccini’s
at Barcelona Opera House, where the orchestra played for an audience made up entirely of plants.
also introduces music made by the plants themselves. PlantWave is an LA-based initiative, which detects electrical currents in houseplant leaves and translates these impulses into music. I was fascinated to hear a live-stream of their Plants FM, featuring surprisingly melodic music created by a snake plant at their HQ. If you think that’s bizarre, wait until you hear Alex Metcalf ’s recording from behind the bark of a horse chestnut tree.
Strangest of all is the Vegetable Orchestra with their track featuring carrot marimbas and a gurkeridoo (a cucumber fashioned into a didgeridoo). While the ability to produce a tune with these organic instruments is impressive, I will
not be rushing to buy their album – although I would be up for trying the veggie soup they serve afterwards!
is a highly inventive show and Peel is quick to praise the producers for their innovative use of blending and underscoring techniques to create an absorbing, uninterrupted flow of music. One drawback to this fluid structure is that names are sometimes difficult to catch (thankfully, these are provided on the BBC Sounds website). I am also impressed by the show’s support for undiscovered musicians from platforms such as Bandcamp, as well as its openness to submissions from obscure artists.
is guaranteed to infuse your evening with ethereal ambience and introduce you to an elusive world of entrancing music. So, whether you are in search of tranquil garden soundscapes or simply want to shake up your Spotify playlist, tune in on Tuesday for a spellbinding journey into the midnight garden.
Listen to live on BBC Radio 3 (11pm-12:30am, Monday-Wednesday). Episodes are available for up to 30 days on BBC Sounds