Environmental sounds

Definition

Environmental sounds refer to the various noises produced by natural and man-made surroundings that are often used in music composition and sound design. These sounds can include anything from birds chirping, waves crashing, and wind blowing, to the clattering of urban life such as cars honking or people talking. The use of environmental sounds allows composers to create a unique soundscape that adds depth and context to musical works, particularly in experimental genres like Musique concrète.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Environmental sounds became prominent with the rise of Musique concrète in the mid-20th century, where composers began to utilize everyday sounds as primary material for their works.
2. The blending of environmental sounds with traditional musical elements challenges the boundaries of what is considered music, encouraging listeners to rethink their auditory experiences.
3. Composers like Pierre Schaeffer pioneered the use of environmental sounds, creating pieces that emphasized their textures and rhythms rather than melodic structures.
4. Environmental sounds can evoke specific emotions and memories, allowing composers to communicate themes and narratives without relying solely on lyrics or melodies.
5. The use of technology in capturing and manipulating environmental sounds has expanded significantly, allowing for greater experimentation and innovation in contemporary music.

Review Questions

• How did environmental sounds influence the development of Musique concrète?
  • Environmental sounds played a crucial role in the evolution of Musique concrète by providing composers with a new palette of sonic materials that diverged from traditional musical instruments. This genre emphasized the manipulation and arrangement of everyday noises, allowing for innovative compositions that challenged conventional notions of music. By incorporating these sounds, Musique concrète opened up new avenues for artistic expression and redefined what could be considered music.
• Discuss the significance of field recordings in relation to environmental sounds within modern composition.
  • Field recordings are significant as they serve as a primary source for capturing environmental sounds that can be incorporated into modern compositions. By documenting the auditory essence of various locations, composers can weave authentic soundscapes into their works. This practice enriches the listening experience by grounding musical pieces in real-world contexts and enhancing their emotional resonance.
• Evaluate the impact of environmental sounds on listener perception and engagement with music in contemporary practices.
  • Environmental sounds have profoundly impacted listener perception and engagement with contemporary music by fostering an immersive experience that blurs the lines between music and ambient noise. As audiences become more attuned to these elements, they may find deeper connections to themes and narratives presented in compositions. This shift encourages listeners to actively participate in deciphering meaning from soundscapes, ultimately leading to a richer understanding of both music and its surrounding context.

Related terms

Field recording: The practice of capturing sounds from the environment using portable recording devices, often used as raw material for compositions.

Sound collage: A technique where various audio clips, including environmental sounds, are combined to create a new piece of art or music.

Soundscape: The acoustic environment as perceived by humans, encompassing all the sounds that are present in a given space.