Water organ
Nowadays, a water organ is usually understood to be a device with which a large number of water fountains can be generated and controlled. Often, many individual fountains are arranged in a row so that the water columns are reminiscent of organ pipes , hence the name. Larger water organs are usually permanently installed and serve z. B. in amusement parks or large hotels to entertain the guests. The individual fountains are generated by pumps and controlled in such a way that a ballet-like total work of art results.
music
A water organ is significantly enhanced by the use of suitable music. Such water organs are usually called "musical water organs" or "musical water features". The movements of the individual effects are programmed to be synchronized with the music, so that when you look at it later you get the impression that the music initiates and controls the water patterns (because the water moves to the rhythm of this music). The illumination of the water organ can also be programmed to synchronize with the music - both the individual colors and the individual effects. This creates a multitude of possible variations of a music-controlled water organ show.
Water show
When water organs are supplemented by other techniques, it is called a water show . The water can be illuminated in color or patterns and animations can be projected onto it with lasers , like in a laser show . If continuous walls of water arise, one speaks of a waterscreen (or in German water canvas or water shield). It is also possible to play entire films on the water.
The spray height of the effects and the synchronization with light, laser and music is controlled by a time code ( SMPTE ) and usually passed on to the water pumps and control systems by means of a DMX signal . The water show, if performed in large dimensions, can be viewed as an independent event . However, due to the high cost, this form is rarely found in Europe. The water show mostly takes place on a smaller scale in hotel gardens and amusement parks . One of the most famous, regular water shows is that of the Hotel Bellagio in Las Vegas .
Events
In addition to permanent installations, there are also regular larger events in some cities that use water organs. So there since the 1929 World Exposition in Barcelona every summer the Font Magica in Velden , the sound wave Wörthersee and since 2005 in Bonn , the sound wave Bonn , events where water, projections and music is used. Water organs are also rented out at trade fairs and exhibitions, company events and similar occasions. The water organ can take place in a lake, river, sea or pool as well as in mobile water basins.
In the summer of 2007, the “Magic Waters” water fountain show, the largest mobile water show in the world, took place in the Autostadt in Wolfsburg . In addition to the fountains, projections and flamethrowers were used.
