The Yin Yang Chime exemplifies the Chinese concept of continual blending of opposite forces as evidenced by its tuning to Steve Reich's "Piano Phase".
There can be no mountains without valleys, no light without shadows, and no spring without the quiet slumber of winter. This
is the natural order of our world. Each and every day is followed by
the black of night which, in turn, is followed by the dawn of a new day.
There cannot be one without the other; instead both coexist to make a
complete whole. This is the essence of the Eastern philosophy of Yin
Yang.
Each side of the Woodstock Yin Yang Chime is tuned to a
pattern from Piano Phase, a work by American composer Steve Reich.
Originally written for two pianos, it can be performed on any type of
instrument even windchimes. The interlocking sequences played by each
performer begin in synch or "in phase" with one another. As one player
speeds up, the way in which the tones are layered gradually begins to
shift, giving the appearance of two separate yet competing
"conversations." This continues until at last the piece comes full
circle and both performers are playing in unison once more.
The
two distinct halves of this chime share a common tube, and together
their blissful tones make a complete sound experience one that is
greater than the sum of its parts.
Maintenance: Every part of a Woodstock Chime is weather protected. Over time, however, those layers of protection can begin to wear. To enjoy your Woodstock Chimes for years to come, we suggest the following simple maintenance tips --
Periodically, apply a thin layer of Danish or lemon oil with a clean cloth to the hardwood parts. Regular oiling will help protect the wood and retard the natural aging process.
Woodstock Chimes tubes are made of anodized aluminum that will not rust when exposed to the elements. However, over time, the aluminum may show pitting as a result of environmental factors. Please note this will not affect the beautiful tones of your chimes. If necessary, use mild soap and water (or a foaming, non-abrasive cleanser) to clean the tubes. You can also use very fine #00 steel wool to polish and restore your aluminum tubes.