Sunset In Naqsh-e Jahan Square Cities And Memory

0:29

Juan imitates the sound of a jaguar with an ancient instrument at Teotihuacan Pyramids. Stereo 48kHz 24bit. UNESCO listing: Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan Recorded by Erick Ruiz Arellano. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

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The ancient and the new 2:46

17 hours ago2:46

2:46

This recording was captured in Fanal, a vast forested area with an enchanting atmosphere and ancient-looking trees that are part of the indigenous Laurisilva forest. In the recording, you can hear me walking, sounds of people talking, taking photos and wandering through the mist. Between some powerful winds, theres some calmer moments where you can hear the soft patter of raindrops falling from the trees. Given the strong winds and my limited equipment—a small RøDE VideoMic Me-L for iPhone with a basic windscreen—it was challenging to avoid wind noise entirely. To present the best audio experience, I carefully edited and compiled the highest-quality segments in chronological order. Recently, Madeira has been experiencing new influx of tourism, both in type and quantity, and Fanal has caught the attention of many YouTubers and photographers. Having not visited Fanal in several years, I was curious to see how this newfound popularity is shaping the experience and hoped to capture the atmosphere of this phenomenon during my visit. UNESCO listing: Laurisilva of Madeira Recorded by Tiago Tobias. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

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Transformation 4:30

17 hours ago4:30

4:30

"The field recording I worked with was of a 'Jaguar Whistle', an instrument designed to replicate the sound of a jaguar. My understanding is that in Mesoamerican cultures, the jaguar was a symbol of transformation, bridging the earthly and spiritual realms. Research suggested that Shamans and rulers sought to embody its power, believing they could take on its form to navigate the unseen world, and through ritual practices, including trance states and sacred ceremonies, they invoked the jaguar’s essence to move between life and the underworld, gaining wisdom, strength, and protection. "The jaguar’s ability to thrive in darkness, water, and hidden places made it a guardian of thresholds, a being capable of transcending the boundaries of human existence. Without the understanding of the cultural importance of the jaguar, the significance of the whistle could be missed. Inspired by this, I created a piece that translates the original recording of the jaguar whistle into a musical form, reflecting its role in transformation and passage between realms." Jaguar head instruments in Mexico reimagined by Jay Moy. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

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Misty transmutes 11:24

17 hours ago11:24

11:24

"I got inspired of the original recording’s “rough” essence - the windy and rainy weather was dominant, along the noise of the people. For me, it reflects the ongoing change of the climate and amount of tourism which seem to change and grow hand in hand. "Also the description of the original recording tells about capturing the sound of growing number of people in the misty forests of Fanal, Portugal. Furthermore, parts the recording was cut out because of the strong wind. The final piece was then edited chronologically, which in a sense made the nature/climate to be the “main director” of the piece. "This raises age-old philosophical questions: How much control do humans truly have - or how much of it is merely an illusion of man-made complex systems that are, in reality, just a small part of nature’s vast complexity? We understand only a fraction of nature—what happens if we stray too far from its ways? Will it” be the final director" that intervenes, cutting humanity’s delusional course to preserve and save itself? "The piece is made only from the original recording by manipulating it mostly with a granular and spectral synthesis - slowly “droning and growing” in the background - and combining the “dry” primary track with a modified one to transform it into a soundscapey journey." Laurisilva of Madeira soundscape reimagined by Jussi Alaraasakka. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

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Heritage simulacrum 3:09

1 day ago3:09

3:09

"I approached the word 'heritage' from two directions; there is what we receive, 'inherit', (and what we in turn leave) - an imperative to consider how we care for leave behind what we hold precious. But heritage can also indicate efforts to retain what has, realistically, been lost - a simulacrum, second-hand experience. In the context of this project, how much better to protect and experience the real thing. In this track I explored both, using the recording unadulterated and via various resampling techniques." Yellowstone coyotes reimagined by de Velden. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

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Day of the Dead at Xoxo 3:34

1 day ago3:34

3:34

Day of the Death at Xoxocotlán cemetery. Families gather around thumbs. Stereo 48kHz 24bit. UNESCO listing: Indigenous festivity dedicated to the dead Recorded by Erick Ruiz Arellano. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

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Skara Brae 12:02

1 day ago12:02

12:02

"After carefully listening to my chosen field recording; Skara Brae, I refreshed my memory and researched the Neolithic site in Orkney. "I liked how the geofon recording added a mysterious layer, with distant sounding muffled voices and rumbling… I accentuated and extended this mystery. "I imagined the aeons of time that has passed on the site; the prehistoric industry and life, how many visitors from near and far, and the plundering both by man and nature…. "I try to convey this ancient and mysterious location with my track. "I use the original recording looped and sliced using granular synthesis, to create intermittent periods of rhythm, which are then interwoven with multiple channels of modulated noise from a synth with delay and reverb etc. to simulate the maelstrom of time. "The final recording was tweaked and manipulated in realtime and presented here after slight compression and eq’ing." Skara Brae tourism reimagined by id_23. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

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Skara Brae tourism 1:48

1 day ago1:48

1:48

Skara Brae, Europe's most remarkably preserved Neolithic village, offers a profound connection to the distant past. In this recording, the wind carries its timeless song, mingling with the murmurs of visitors as they explore the site. Captured through the Geofon, the vibrations of wind and footsteps resonate like the ancient village's heartbeat, while the muffled conversations evoke echoes of lives once lived amidst these stone walls. UNESCO listing: Heart of Neolithic Orkney Recorded by Alan Cook. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

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Does it drive you crazy too? 3:39

1 day ago3:39

3:39

"I liked how the field recording sounded messy and not put together 100% and I incorporated that in my production style. I also liked the raw sounding vibe of the recording which i enhanced with reverb to create a unique atmosphere in the background. "I think my composition shows that every sound has a place in today's music style and we can preserve sounds from across the world by including them in our production. My plan going into the composition was to play things in and not quantize anything to keep the raw feel of the piece." Day of the Death at Xoxocotlán cemetery reimagined by Pierce. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

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Delos, from Egypt to modern day 4:20

1 day ago4:20

4:20

"Upon listening to the in field recording, I instantly had the idea of doing something involving synthesis and tying that to the idea of time travel. What stood out to me most is the raw, natural ambience that it has. I used this to use hard panning in the beginning to simulate the listener looking around. I connected it to the sound of a stream flowing. "Upon researching Delos, I found out that it used to be occupied by the Egyptians before it became Hellenic. I chose this recording from this location as my family are from Greece, and I thought it would be really cool to make a piece using real sounds from my family's country. "To create the piece, I used minimal layering for maximal effect. I also used sound design to help create my own sounds. I also researched what instruments were common at the time, and used those in the piece. I sampled different stringed instruments such as lyres and used harmonic minor scales to really drive that Egyptian influence. I also used dissonance towards the end to symbolise the mixing of Egyptian and Hellenic cultures, symbolising that their differences can also be beautiful." Waves on Delos reimagined by Sisi. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

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Soul of Italy 1:57

1 day ago1:57

1:57

"The opera singing within the field recording sounded soul-like, which inspired us to pull inspiration from 90s hip hop, such as the Wu-Tang Clan, who also sampled a lot of old music. As discussed, we used sampling techniques and other effects such as bit crush, to achieve an old school sound." Singer at the Pantheon, Rome reimagined by Theo Steventon. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

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Wieża 3:23

1 day ago3:23

3:23

""Wieża" considers themes of change, stasis, motion, stillness, and meditation, as suggested by the original field recording. The footsteps that explore Wieża Ratuszowa in that recording become a percussive pulse in this composition, exploring convergence, tension, loss, and progress: people, events, ideas, emotions, structures, melodies, instruments, elements of arrangement, all arriving, departing, returning, remaining constant, changing in each other's presence, and disappearing. Throughout this, the steps maintain a grounding presence, akin to the passage of time, or the presence of an architectural monument in the lives of those around it. "The piece was recorded at home with a Windows PC, a Shure SM-58, a Focusrite Scarlett Solo, a collection of instruments, and a cat who provided invaluable support, company, and audio editing assistance (read: walking across the keyboard and randomly changing settings in pursuit of scratches)." Wieża Ratuszowa reimagined by Ross Reilly. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

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Wieża Ratuszowa 1:16

1 day ago1:16

1:16

From the height of Kraków’s Town Hall Tower, this recording transports you to the heart of the Old Town, where the echoes of history are intertwined with the pulse of contemporary life. Standing as a proud Gothic monument since the 14th century, the tower bears witness to centuries of change. Soft, measured footsteps ascending the narrow stairs, while the hum of modern life drifts in through the small arched windows. For me, this recording portrays the profound stillness and grandeur of the Town Hall Tower, contrasted with the lively city below. It’s a rare moment where time seems to stretch as if the tower holds space for both history and the present to coexist. Listening to it feels like standing between two worlds... each sound is an invitation to appreciate Kraków’s timeless rhythm. UNESCO listing: Historic Centre of Kraków Recorded by Serge Bulat. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

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Hagar Qim, Il-Genna Mitlufa (Hagar Qim, Paradise Lost) 4:08

1 day ago4:08

4:08

"Hagar Qim, on the south western edge of Malta, is one of the oldest built structures in the world. Over 5000 years old, this megalithic temple overlooks the dazzling blue Mediterranean. In 2008, canopies were constructed to protect these monuments from further elemental damage. Small birds, mainly sparrows, have now made their home among the high eaves of these shelters, their calls echoing through the temple. This spot is unusually far from the traffic and urban noise that dominates much of the island, and I was able to record the bird sounds as I walked up the stony cliff path towards the temple. "To me, sparrows are one of the characteristic sounds of the Maltese islands, along with the sound of the sea and the ringing of church bells, none of which you are ever far from. My piece merges my own field recordings of these three quintessential Maltese sounds with something very personal. My grandfather was a teacher and writer from Mqabba, a tiny village near Hagar Qim. When he retired, he undertook a labour of love in translating John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost” into Maltese. I recorded my own father, born and bred in Malta, but now sadly in ill health, reciting some of his father's translation of this famous poem telling the story of the Garden of Eden and humanity’s loss of paradise, along with his own reminiscences, including his own birth in 1941 in a building called Milton House. I am aware that time is running on, and this may have been my last opportunity to work with my father on such a piece. "The final link in this chain from Malta’s past to my present is my own whispered voice reading the equivalent passages from Milton’s original work, which I studied as an English undergraduate many years ago, and a simple synthesiser melody referencing Bach’s C major prelude/Ave Maria, a piece close to my heart which I sometimes play as a duet with my own young son. The ancient past of Malta, in the bird filled paradise of Hagar Qim, entwines with the Christian and colonial roots of the island today, Maltese and English, pagan and prayer. I dedicate this piece to my father Pio, and to my grandfather Francis Xavier." Megalithic temple soundscape in Malta reimagined by Suzy Mangion. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

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Walking back into Hagar Qim, neolithic temples 3:39

1 day ago3:39

3:39

Footsteps on the stony path, hundreds of sparrows, the sound changing when entering under the canopy that covers the temples, other birds, insects buzzing. UNESCO listing: Megalithic Temples of Malta Recorded by Suzy Mangion. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

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Arranging and rearranging black feathers (the game) 1:49

1 day ago1:49

1:49

"The inspiration for this fugue-like piece was the imagined relationship between the crows - possibly Rooks by their call - and the Blenheim gamekeepers. One of judgement and mutual dislike, or perhaps literally a game. "The rising cello slides were suggested by what I suspect is an accelerating car in the original sound clip around at around the 1:10 mark – just before the jogger runs past. "The title is a misquote of Sylvia Plath." Crows at Blenheim Palace reimagined by Adam Leonard. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

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Crows nesting in the palace grounds 1:40

1 day ago1:40

1:40

Crows nesting high in the trees in the ground of Blenheim Palace, being very vocal on a Sunday afternoon, as we also hear one of the regular joggers in the grounds going past us. UNESCO listing: Blenheim Palace Recorded by Cities and Memory. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

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Hema in Mexico City 3:40

1 day ago3:40

3:40

"The sound piece was inspired by the Mexico City mariachi street march, I was inspired by the poly rhythmic patterns and the instruments I was hearing over the street sounds in the recording. I enjoyed how the sound kept changing and gave the impression of moving through a street or passage with sound. In my composition I imagined myself as part of the procession whilst trying to create an individual experience and thus the sub-theme: Hema, which is a Tswana word that translate to breathe and comments how collective happenings and events can be a moment of exhalation and clarity for another as it was listening to the original sound. "I used voice together with virtual and actual instruments to create a multi layered landscape. I used voice over recorded drums,chatter, and a bamboo flute alongside virtual instruments such as brass and atmospheric keys. The sound piece starts with trumpets sounded from the march and into a contemplative soundscape lead by the flute and mouth sounds." Mexico City mariachis reimagined by Boitumelo Motau. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

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Weaving rhythms 3:20

1 day ago3:20

3:20

"With its sharp, clipped sounds and natural rhythm, this recording immediately drew me in. It felt like a composition in itself, already crafted, and required little manipulation to tease out its natural syncopation and lively tempo. In my reimagined piece, I aimed to enhance these natural rhythms, capturing the physicality of Kente weaving - the movement of hands, the crossings of parallel threads, the interplay of warp and weft. "As I listened, the percussive quality of the weaving reminded me of the gyil, the traditional Ghanaian xylophone/ wooden. The gyil’s bright, buzzing resonance created by its gourd resonators mirrors the sounds of the wooden loom and treadles. Inspired by this connection, I incorporated gyil-like tonal elements into the composition and played with a few samples. The warm, resonant timbres of the instrument blend with the weaving sounds, creating a dialogue between craftsmanship and music, tradition and reinterpretation. This interplay between instrument and craft reflects the deep relationship between Ghanaian music and artisanal traditions. "Many thanks to Samuel, Emmanuele, and the individuals featured in this recording. Through your hands and laughter in this recording, I feel a deep connection to this moment in time and wondered what you were creating. "The title, "Weaving Rhythms," highlights the profound cultural and historical significance of Kente weaving, Ghanaian music and the community that comes together through both art forms. Just as each thread in Kente cloth carries meaning, I wonder what stories the loom has heard. Interlacing tradition, storytelling, and heritage, kente is rich with symbolism. The piece unfolds in layers like a woven tapestry, as I build up the motif before scaling it back to reach the final few seconds, where a spool of thread is spun." Weaving in Kpetoe reimagined by Delphine Boagey. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

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Names in the air 3:17

1 day ago3:17

3:17

"In my composition, I mixed the sound of an air raid siren in Prague, Czechia; the sound of a metronome as a symbol of time’s relentless march and history’s cyclical nature; two voices: a child repeating after his mother the names of Ukrainian cities; and an old Ukrainian folk song, Grey Goose, sung dramatically by a solo a cappella female voice (Yulia Volovik). "I chose the air raid siren in Prague because this sound triggers my feelings about the painful facts I have lived with since 2014. How come 1968 and 2014 are connected in my mind? I didn’t reflect enough on the Soviet invasion of Prague in 1968. I was just a little child then, but later, I learned about the eight people (the only eight people in the entire USSR) who were brave and noble enough to protest on Red Square. They became my gods. I later met one of them, Natalia Gorbanevskaya, in Paris, and we stayed in touch for a while. I considered her to be much more human than I was, and I wasn’t able to make friends with her. I regret that. "In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea. I didn’t live in Russia at the time, but I visited it sometimes. It was shameful to see how many of my former compatriots expressed happiness over this annexation (although "annexation" was a prohibited word; they referred to it as a "reunion"). At the same time, Russia started a war in Eastern Ukraine. It wasn’t the large-scale war we see today, but it was still real. I felt the parallel between 1968 and 2014, so I interviewed my mother to recall her memories of the moment when the USSR Czechoslovakia, and through this, to try to understand why such interventions and annexations could take place. This interview became the voiceover for my experimental film-performance Chronicles on the Laps. "Later, Russia launched its full-scale invasion, and this war is now in its fourth year. In 2022, I helped Ukrainians who fled the war find homes in another country. This is a devastating, never-ending pain. I can only imagine the anguish of those whose homes were bombed and destroyed, whose loved ones were tortured and killed. "I hope I have explained my choice of the inspirational heritage recording and how it connects to the work I’ve created." Air raid siren in Prague reimagined by Rūta Jauška. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

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Air raid siren 2:56

1 day ago2:56

2:56

The air raid siren in Prague that sounds the first Wednesday of every month, and it is a practice alert as part of the Czech Republic's emergency preparedness system. The siren goes off at 12:00 PM and it's not meant to signal an actual threat, but rather to test the nation's readiness in case of a real emergency. It serves as a regular reminder of the country's civil defense system, helping citizens stay aware of the procedures they should follow in the event of an emergency such as a natural disaster, military conflict, or other national crises. The air raid siren system in the Czech Republic has its roots in the Cold War era, when the country, like many others in Europe, prepared for the possibility of airstrikes or other wartime threats. Though the geopolitical climate has changed significantly since then, the sirens remain a fixture of emergency preparedness. It's important to note that the siren is a test, and there is no cause for alarm when it sounds that Wednesday. However, the government encourages people to pay attention, just in case it becomes necessary to respond to an actual warning in the future. Over time, this practice has become part of the cultural landscape, a reminder of both the country's history and its ongoing efforts to stay prepared for emergencies. UNESCO listing: Historic Centre of Prague Recorded by 42. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

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Mariachis at Plaza Garibaldi 2:44

1 day ago2:44

2:44

Distant Mariachis bands play at Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City. Mono 48kHz 24bit. UNESCO listing: Mariachi, string music, song and trumpet Recorded by Erick Ruiz Arellano. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

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Ewe Kente weaving in Kpetoe 2:48

1 day ago2:48

2:48

Ewe Kente weaving by a group of two weavers in the Kpetoe community in Volta Region, Ghana. Kente is woven on a horizontal strip loom, which produces a narrow band of cloth about four inches wide. Several of these strips are carefully arranged and hand-sewn together to create a cloth of the desired size. Most kente weavers are men. Weaving involves the crossing of a row of parallel threads called the warp (threads running vertically) with another row called the weft (threads running horizontally). A horizontal loom, constructed with wood, consists of a set of two, four or six heddles (loops for holding thread), which are used for separating and guiding the warp threads. These are attached to treadles (foot pedals) with pulleys that have spools of thread inserted in them. The pulleys can be used to move the warp threads apart. As the weaver divides the warp threads, he uses a shuttle (a small wooden device carrying a bobbin, or small spool of thread) to insert the weft threads between them. These various parts of the loom, like the motifs in the cloth, all have symbolic significance and are accorded a great deal of respect. By alternating colours in the warp and weft, a weaver can create complex patterns, which in kente cloth are valued for both their visual effect and their symbolism. Patterns can exist vertically (in the warp), or horizontally (in the weft), or both. Source: Khan Academy. Ewe Kente Cloths are considered by many to be one of the most premier and unique styles of Kente Cloth in the modern day. Ewe Kente Cloths are now made mostly by artisans in Southern Ghana near the towns Agbozume and Kpetoe. The tradition of Kente Cloth Weaving dates as far back as the 11th Century and Ewe Kente Cloths have a variety of influences with many variations in style. What makes Ewe Kente more unique than the traditional Asante style of Kente Cloth is the diversity of design styles. Recorded by Emmanuel Baffoe, a recently trained Field Recordist and upcoming Soundscape Ecology and Multimedia Specialist and Trainer. Emmanuel is one of 5 selected trainees receiving mentorship under the Soundscape Ecology and Multimedia Education Ghana program carried out by CSEM (Center for Soundscape Ecology and Multimedia). UNESCO listing: Craftsmanship of traditional woven textile Kente ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

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Piazza San Pietro 4:03

1 day ago4:03

4:03

Recording of St Peter square, with people speaking, walking, waiting in line to see the Vatican. Millions of tourists visit this sight every day so this it how it sounds all the time. UNESCO listing: Vatican City Recorded by Danilo Crnogorac. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

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Pulse of Yellowstone 2:59

1 day ago2:59

2:59

"The first National Park in the United States was Yellowstone, and the most recognised attraction is the geyser Old Faithful. Predictions of Old Faithful eruptions are central to human activity at the site. People plan their days around these times. Efforts are made to make the most accurate predictions possible, however there are variations and it is never exactly known at what moment the geyser will erupt. It is a wonderful representation of human reliance on natural rhythms, which we only partially understand. "In my composition Pulse of Yellowstone, I explore the rhythms and predictability of Old Faithful. There is a predictability of pattern and rhythm, yet it is slightly off of what is expected, reflecting the experience of those who attempt to predict the geyser. The raw recording occurs in its entirety twice in the piece - at the very beginning, sped up very fast to give the listener the essence of its overall shape, and at around half speed across the entire piece to set the pace and drama of the composition. "Joining the field recording are percussive, vocal, and instrumental sounds created and recorded by me. These musical elements play with the idea of predictability, as well as the history of predictions of this geyser. Over the years, and seemingly in response to earthquakes, the intervals between eruptions have gotten shorter. I have quickened the pace toward the end of the piece to represent this shift. Rhythmic elements are inspired by the bimodal nature of the geysers eruptions (longer duration eruptions are followed by longer periods of rest). "The instrument I used is the bass viola da gamba, an early bowed stringed instrument. The shape of the waveform of the rise and fall of the geyser’s spray is reminiscent to me of the sound of a bowed note, especially in the underhand bowing method used in viola da gamba. "The field recording inspired me because it is a powerful sound of water. It sounds a bit like the breath of a whale! In addition to being a composer, I am a marine biologist, and it pleases me to hear the power of this water feature, as the Earth is surfacing water up onto dry land." Old Faithful geyser reimagined by Heather Spence. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

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In those days 7:17

1 day ago7:17

7:17

"I was inspired to create a piece reflecting the complex history of this World Heritage Site via the personal recollections of a centenarian with fond memories of growing up on such a cosmopolitan coast. And yet if we go further back, more complicated histories also reside here - and so I wanted to refer to that ambiguity sonically - especially in a place which is now such a tourist destination. "I used the field recording to create a portal in and out of the space and also to make a few new sounds scattered around the piece. It’s a beautifully vibrant street soundscape to be able to springboard from in various ways. This is a place where I have travelled and experienced sonic histories constantly emanating - each element telling a different origin story - looping back to the present day where sounds reveal the past and present intertwined. "I included sounds of a call to prayer, ocean and also words from a guide at the Anglican Cathedral - the music also includes Indian vocals, a background Swahili church service and my own musical response. I wanted diverse sounds reflecting the different communities and elements revolving within and around such a rich and multi-layered place." Market in Stone Town, Zanzibar reimagined by RADIA. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

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Clogra 4:09

1 day ago4:09

4:09

"I originally picked this sample because it reflected my research interest in pedestrianism. Listening back, I was wondering what the volume of conversation and impression of sociality around the Vatican that was captured in the sample might mean....at the same time, I had the idea of incorporating the Angelus bells which still ring twice a day in Dublin. Similarly, everyday life happens around these calls to prayer in Ireland. They form a backdrop to my walking around Dublin 7. Even if they are largely ignored, they are necessarily part of the city's sonic architecture. "While typically they are thought of as a call to individual reflection, I recently read a piece which suggested they should be considered a call to collective prayer which seems like a more productive way to consider it. In both the Vatican sample and the everyday experience of the Angelus bell, there's a constant struggle between the contemplativeness both are supposed to represent and the pace and raucousness of modern life. The musical composition tries to reflect some of that struggle...Music might even represent a better means than prayer of bringing people together for collective expression." Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City reimagined by Social Romantic. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

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Spice market in Stone Town 5:14

1 day ago5:14

5:14

Inside the spice market a seller offers a variety of spices, flavorants and perfumes. UNESCO listing: Stone Town, Zanzibar Recorded by Marg Laing. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

1
Rhapsodie d'Serra 7:32

2 days ago7:32

7:32

"Composed over several weeks using the entire recording used in sections takes the lively street and voices as introduction numerous sounds sampled and were sculptured using audio software and Eurorack hardware itself becomes a rhapsody dedicated to sound recordists and artists everywhere. "This beautiful momentary field recording of Valldemossa, Mallorca Spain inspired our composition and encourages us to close eyes and to appreciate the full and acoustic atmosphere of sounds natural, social and cultural - what a brilliant idea this Sonic Heritage project is." Evening in Valldemossa reimagined by Arvik Torrenssen. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage…

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

1
Snow memory 8:00

2 days ago8:00