Carlton University’s Tunnels

Yodelling Etude

Andersen Etude

Speaking of labyrinths…

There are a lot of Ottawa-types that I happen to know here in Toronto, and a friend, when he heard that I was heading to Ottawa for a quick visit, tipped me off about incredible underground pedestrian tunnels that lace beneath Carlton University’s campus. In fact, this friend sent me off with a GoogleMap filled with red X’s and hastily scribbled notes about prime places to explore and record, some legit tourist destinations (like the National Art Gallery, The War Museum, etc, each potentially with their own red-tape for me to get clearance to play), and other locations much more ‘off limits’, such as the secret tunnels under the Parliament Buildings.

To play even briefly in the darkened, gothic entranceway of the Parliament Buildings, for example, or in the recently renovated Library at the rear of the site would be a dream come true; however with this being such a quick trip, I decided to try to coordinate that another time.

The acoustics in this labyrinth did not disappoint, and this Yodelling Song seemed the perfect vehicle to sample the lingering echo, as well as a Barcerolle by Andersen. Between semesters, the tunnels were largely deserted, however you might here the din and whirr of passing service carts, as well as some footfall and the sound of conversation.