Sustainable Mediterranean Construction

Sustainable Mediterranean Construction

“THIS MUSIC IS NOISE!” REFLECTIONS ON POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MUSIC, NOISE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Authors 

Martino Mocchi

Keywords: 

Soundscape, Environment, Noise, Music, Sound

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Abstract

The evolution of the musical thought during the twentieth century, as approached in this essay, brings about in the progressive inclusion of “noise” into “music”. Firstly, this is arguable by referring to the many sounds, traditionally considered as “noise”, which enter the musical composition. The spread of electronic instruments, the change of orchestras, the transformation in the aesthetic consideration of the environment – as in futurist music, aleatoric music, radio music, soundscape composition – prove this change. A second interpretation of the initial statement turns music itself into a “background noise”, which often tends to be ignored by the public, especially in an urban environment. The several available recording tools have an impact also on the compositional process, which detaches from a purely aesthetic and artistic perspective to satisfy different needs – as demonstrated by the so called “muzak”, for instance.
This scenario urges the research to re-establish the three categories of “music”, “noise” and “environmental sound”, to clarify both their interpretive role – compared to the quality and the usability of urban places – and their potential for the architectural project. In this perspective, this contribution aims at encouraging some reflections to highlight the relationships that sound establishes between the intention of the producer and the cultural references of the listeners. This demonstrates, therefore, the inadequacy of the common approach, which intends to define acoustic quality starting exclusively from objective and quantitative parameters. Some musical experiences of the last century represent significant references, which point to the importance of local participation and the activation of processes to raise awareness and consciousness within the people. This could represent a good starting point towards the definition of models for sound management and treatment.

Preview

SMC N.07 2018

SMC MAGAZINE N. SEVEN/2018

001_ COVER AND INDEX

003_VIEW Soundscape and Sustainable Construction
Dora Francese

023_BOARDS AND INFORMATION

FOCUS ON SOUND, NOISE AND VIBRATIONS

024_ The Sound in the Perceptive Synesthesia of the Landscape
Andrea Facciolongo, Giorgio Giallocosta

028_Great Achievements in Room Acoustics: a Subjective Point of View
Nikolas P. Tsinikas

035_Ancient Roman Amphiteatres Used for Modern Shows: Acoustics and Problems
Carmine Ianniello

044_The “Good” Acoustics of the Ancient Theaters. Epidaurus Phaenomenon
Georgia Cheirchanteri

050_Silence, Light and Space. Aleph, a Space for Three Abrahamic Religions
Mariateresa Giammetti

058_Building Acoustics Design: the Role of Materials and Systems
Ilaria Oberti

062_”This Music is Noise!”. Reflections on Possible Relationship between Music, Noise and the Environment
Martino Mocchi

067_Soundscape and Public Space. Strategies and Technological Devices for a Better Urban Soundscape Quality
Federico Orsini

071 _Acoustic Barriers. A System for Reducing Noise and Environmental Impact in Urban Areas
Alberto Raimondi

080_Traffic Noise in Urban Environment: a Review of the Current Research in Greece
Vassilis Vassiliadis, Eleni Antonopoulou

084_Noise In Schools. A Systemic Approach to Improve Acoustic Comfort
Marta Fianchini

089_Protection from Acoustic Pollution in the Sites of Community Importance (SCI) of Campi Flegrei
Paola Lembo

093_Modification of the Acoustic Response of Wood Claddings Though Localized Application of Resonators and Dampers
Gian Luca Brunetti

099_Soundscape and Environmental Design. Towards Defining a Method
Martino Mocchi

104_LIST OF AUTHORS

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