Perspectives on Landscape, Sound, and Music

Abstract

Themes and topics on specific forms of sonic arts practice which engage with landscape and environment are discussed with particular reference to landscape art as an extension of architectural practice and the wider field of anthropological research. Following a definition of music and musical behaviour, both musical and non-musical approaches to sonic arts practice are compared and contrasted. In differentiating between environment and landscape, problems associated with the instability of the term ‘soundscape’ are considered. Sound art is further viewed as scientific enquiry and as a challenge to conventional understandings of the wider environment. The role of play in contemporary sonic and musical practices is briefly touched upon. Finally, a generalised template for environmental sonic art, a descriptive framework drawn from an aggregate of practices, is offered as a model for further investigation.

Keywords:

• Sonic Art
• Landscape
• Environment

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.