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Listening

December 8, 2009

Listening

In a discussion with a student today, different ways of listening to, thinking about, analyzing and creating sound came up. In a few minutes the following where identified. More could probably be added (insert bibliography here):

  • Language. Symbolic meaning
  • References to or representations of external physical objects and phenomena
  • Vertical composition: The textural surface of sound. Combination of simultaneous layers. Spectral distribution of material
  • Horizontal composition: Disposition in time of elements, form, fluctuations and energies
  • The gestural and bodily qualities of sound. How it resonate and engage (or not) with the body

The different modes of listening are not excluding or competing, it’s more like viewing the same sculpture from different angles.