The Soundscape
by R. Murray Schafer
256 Members (4.07)
On This Page
Description
The soundscape--a term coined by the author--is our sonic environment, the ever-present array of noises with which we all live. Beginning with the primordial sounds of nature, we have experienced an ever-increasing complexity of our sonic surroundings. As civilization develops, new noises rise up around us: from the creaking wheel, the clang of the blacksmith's hammer, and the distant chugging of steam trains to the "sound imperialism" of airports, city streets, and factories. The author show more contends that we now suffer from an overabundance of acoustic information and a proportionate diminishing of our ability to hear the nuances and subtleties of sound. Our task, he maintains, is to listen, analyze, and make distinctions. As a society we have become more aware of the toxic wastes that can enter our bodies through the air we breathe and the water we drink. In fact, the pollution of our sonic environment is no less real. Schafer emphasizes the importance of discerning the sounds that enrich and feed us and using them to create healthier environments. To this end, he explains how to classify sounds, appreciating their beauty or ugliness, and provides exercises and "soundwalks" to help us become more discriminating and sensitive to the sounds around us. This book is a pioneering exploration of our acoustic environment, past and present, and an attempt to imagine what it might become in the future. show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
Members
- Recently Added By
Lists
culture
320 works; 1 member
NTS Book Channel
316 works; 1 member
Author Information
38 Works 494 Members
Classifications
- Genres
- Music, Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Philosophy, Art & Design
- DDC/MDS
- 781.2 — Arts & recreation Music General principles and musical forms Elements of music
- LCC
- ML3805 .S3 — Music Literature on music Literature on music Philosophical and societal aspects of music. Physics Physics and acoustics
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 256
- Popularity
- 126,934
- Rating
- (4.07)
- Languages
- English, French, Italian
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 5
- ASINs
- 2
