Since 1500, almost two hundred species of birds have died out worldwide. In addition, an unknown number is considered lost. In Europe, in historical times, only one has disappeared forever – the „Great Auk“.
In the performance “Wild West”, Olga Hohmann and Lukas Kesler whistle the entire list of these 265 bird species, which have been lost since 1500, piece by piece. The whistle sounds are oriented on the real singing of the birds, but remain still fictional. „Wild West“ was a requiem for all those feathered animals that disappeared in the past. Their names, which were read out loud, sound almost as melodious as the sounds they make.
Although our extinct-bird-soundtrack was commemorative music, it was also a forward-looking musical piece – scientists predict that by the end of the 21st century, at least ten species of birds per year will become extinct.