ON SOUND/IN SOUND
Liapi
7-10/11/2024.
Soundscape composition.
Presented at the 7th Conference on Acoustic Ecology: Soundscape, Biophony and Climate Crisis.
Athens, Department of Music Studies of the University of Athens/ Ancient Epidaurus.
Liapi is a soundscape composition designed for a 5.1 surround system involving transformations of environmental sounds. The piece captures experiences from five key locations in East Zagori Liapi, emphasizing the region's biodiversity through seasonal sound recordings, which took place during springtime and during summertime. The field recordings were made along pastoral routes with the guidance of the local community, as part of awareness activities organized by environmentalist social enterprise EcoMuseum Zagori. It could be said that the composition unfolds in three movements. The first movement features the uninterrupted flow of groundwater through rocky paths and the communication between nightingales in forested areas, gradually transitioning into the second movement, where the sounds of a sudden hunt emerge as shepherd's dogs drive away a wolf. The final movement is marked by the sound of bells worn by goats returning from grazing, filling the acoustic spectrum and bringing the composition to a close.
The work engages with the study and practices of Acoustic Ecology by focusing on biophony and soundscape analysis. The piece draws from field recordings in East Zagori to document the region’s natural sound diversity in the soundscaper platform EchoLoci, while highlighting the connection between biodiversity and seasonal environmental shifts. The collected environmental sounds contribute to the exploration of bioacoustics and soundscape ecology, particularly by illustrating the dynamic interaction between natural and human-generated soundscapes. This interaction forms the compositional framework of the piece, reflecting the conference's emphasis on soundscapes as tools for understanding ecological systems. By emphasizing the acoustic signature of pastoral routes and local wildlife, Liapi illustrates how sound can raise awareness of ecological concerns and deepen the connection between people and their environment. Through the EcoMuseum Zagori’s initiatives, the work contributes to the dialogue around using sound in environmental education and community involvement, promoting sustainable practices.
The composition is particularly enhanced by its design for a 5.1 surround system, which envelops listeners in the auditory experience. This multi-channel setup enables the audience to be immersed in the sound environment, creating a heightened sense of presence. Overall, the experience relates to conference topics such as soundscape mapping and the semantics of soundscapes, placing sound as a crucial medium for both artistic expression and ecological awareness. The intention is for the listener not only to observe but also to experience the soundscapes, developing a profound and meaningful connection to the natural world.
Soundscape composition.
Presented at the 7th Conference on Acoustic Ecology: Soundscape, Biophony and Climate Crisis.
Athens, Department of Music Studies of the University of Athens/ Ancient Epidaurus.
Liapi is a soundscape composition designed for a 5.1 surround system involving transformations of environmental sounds. The piece captures experiences from five key locations in East Zagori Liapi, emphasizing the region's biodiversity through seasonal sound recordings, which took place during springtime and during summertime. The field recordings were made along pastoral routes with the guidance of the local community, as part of awareness activities organized by environmentalist social enterprise EcoMuseum Zagori. It could be said that the composition unfolds in three movements. The first movement features the uninterrupted flow of groundwater through rocky paths and the communication between nightingales in forested areas, gradually transitioning into the second movement, where the sounds of a sudden hunt emerge as shepherd's dogs drive away a wolf. The final movement is marked by the sound of bells worn by goats returning from grazing, filling the acoustic spectrum and bringing the composition to a close.
The work engages with the study and practices of Acoustic Ecology by focusing on biophony and soundscape analysis. The piece draws from field recordings in East Zagori to document the region’s natural sound diversity in the soundscaper platform EchoLoci, while highlighting the connection between biodiversity and seasonal environmental shifts. The collected environmental sounds contribute to the exploration of bioacoustics and soundscape ecology, particularly by illustrating the dynamic interaction between natural and human-generated soundscapes. This interaction forms the compositional framework of the piece, reflecting the conference's emphasis on soundscapes as tools for understanding ecological systems. By emphasizing the acoustic signature of pastoral routes and local wildlife, Liapi illustrates how sound can raise awareness of ecological concerns and deepen the connection between people and their environment. Through the EcoMuseum Zagori’s initiatives, the work contributes to the dialogue around using sound in environmental education and community involvement, promoting sustainable practices.
The composition is particularly enhanced by its design for a 5.1 surround system, which envelops listeners in the auditory experience. This multi-channel setup enables the audience to be immersed in the sound environment, creating a heightened sense of presence. Overall, the experience relates to conference topics such as soundscape mapping and the semantics of soundscapes, placing sound as a crucial medium for both artistic expression and ecological awareness. The intention is for the listener not only to observe but also to experience the soundscapes, developing a profound and meaningful connection to the natural world.