Early Audio Art Response to Assigned Articles

Luigi Russolo, "The Art of Noise" +"Intonarumori"Edgar Varèse, "The Liberation of Sound".

Sound is the birth of human expression. Initially, humans explored the capacities of the voice. Then came the manipulation of this sound through various objects. Eventually it was discovered that instruments are able to produce pleasing rhythms and melodies. Music continues to evolve with the addition of contemporary techniques. This is not always easy to appreciate. For Varèse this is part of sound’s liberation. Our ears must be exposed to notes from our environment as opposed to strict calculated tracks. This is undoubtedly where the stereotypical line "turn that awful racket down!" comes from. This particular listener is not yet able to discern the subtleties of this elaborate composition. For Varèse, the ability to reproduce organic sounds is the pinnacle of musical evolution. Humans find beauty and pleasure where an aspect of chance is present. Such is the case in nature.

The inventor of the Intonarumori would surely be fascinated by our ability to reproduce any sound using digital interfaces such as midi. These artists were certainly aware that there is more to sound than frequencies and wavelengths. Some researchers have observed how the human brain interprets western and eastern music. The latter is much more complex and reveals itself difficult to comprehend for most western ears. Futurist sound artists were also aware that performances, combinations and environments have the capacity to modulate human emotions. Think of lying on the beach with the lapping of waves and gentle touch of the breeze. Contrasted to the buzz of the city and the blips from mobile conversations. Among our daily rhythms are hidden melodies, which beg to be absorbed. These are part of our social construction.

 

 

Related Links:

 


Tuesday, February 26th, 2008. Filed under: Courses Digital Media

Add your comment