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Another Theory About Stonehenge: It’s a Giant Xylophone

Add this to the theories about why neolithic hippies built Stonehenge: it’s a giant musical instrument.

Music boffins from the Royal College of Art–definitely not archaeologists, so unburdened by any bias or preconceptions–were given permission to study Stonehenge and have come up with a theory that the 4,000 year-old structure was designed as a “music circle” that was “played” by the wind.

Apparently, the bluestones–quarried in Wales and dragged 200 miles–may have been chosen for their unique sonic properties.  They “sing” when hit with small rocks called hammerstones.  The group even brought out a bunch of percussionists to “play” Stonehenge, resulting in what they called “real rock music.”  (Sorry; academic humour, I guess.)

More detail at The Daily Mail.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 40287 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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