Archivio Conz

Yoshimasa "Yoshi" Wada (1943, Kyoto, Japan – 2021, New York, USA) was a Japanese-born sound artist, composer, and instrument builder known for his experimental approach to music, drone compositions, and handmade instruments. Born in Kyoto, Japan, he initially pursued studies in sculpture before shifting his focus to sound. In 1967, Wada moved to New York City, where he became involved with the Fluxus movement, working alongside George Maciunas. Immersed in the avant-garde art scene, he studied electronic music with La Monte Young and trained in North Indian classical singing under Pandit Pran Nath. These influences shaped his unique sonic explorations, which incorporated extended tones, improvisation, and alternative tuning systems. A defining element of Wada’s work was his creation of experimental instruments, including large-scale pipe horns and modified bagpipes. One of which Earth Horn (1988) is in the Archivio Conz Collection. His compositions often featured long, resonant drones and layered harmonic textures, drawing from both Eastern and Western musical traditions. His 1974 performance "Earth Horns with Electronic Drone" used custom-built wind instruments, producing deep, immersive soundscapes. Wada’s recorded works include "Lament for the Rise and Fall of the Elephantine Crocodile" (1982) and "Off the Wall" (1985), both of which demonstrate his innovative use of acoustic space, breath control, and overtones. His 1987 installation "The Appointed Cloud" featured a system of automated organ pipes and sirens, transforming the space into a constantly shifting sonic environment. In 1991, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship for Creative Arts, recognizing his contributions to experimental sound practices. His work continues to inspire musicians, sound artists, and composers interested in alternative tuning, non-Western musical structures, and immersive listening experiences. Wada passed away on May 18, 2021, in New York City, leaving behind a profound legacy in avant-garde and sound art communities.