READING RESPONSE 3: Soundscapes by Sonnenschein

'Soundscape' is a term coined by R.Murray Schafer (see above). "His work has taced the historical development of soundscapes from the primordial nature to the ever mre complex and mechanized world of modern man, helping us to listen, analyze and make distinctions."

Soundscapes are composed using different sound types; keynote sounds, signals, soundmarks and archetypal sounds. The keynote is the reference point to all other sounds and is constant. It can be heard unconsciously but its presence suggests the deep influence of the character's behaviour and moods. The signal is the figure to the ground. It demands attention, like signals and whistles but also transmits complex messages to the listener. A soundmark establishes the place, eg. a birdcall or consistant water pipe screech. It places the audience in the location. And finally, Archetypal sounds focus on creating emotion by using memories of that place, these are usually the more complex sounds which tell a story eg. thunder, cracking branches and rain would tell us to look for shelter.

This reading has opened up the idea to me that not all soundscapes have to be based on a place. They can also be based on a story. I think from here I want to develop my soundscape, so you feel apart of a journey with a character.

The reading also speaks a lot about the wide variety of sounds that you can include in your soundscape. I need to think about the weather, the body (placing the audience there, by hearing 'their' footsteps, rustling of clothes, breathing etc), the location, the mood and the atmosphere. I should also consider the resonance of the room, how big the space is, the time of day and how the character would react. For example, the human voice would be raised out doors but quieter on a calm night.

"The sounds of the spaces themselves can be characteristic of their era, function and style."