Sonic Environment

This book explores the concept of "soundscape" from a multidisciplinary perspective, focusing on the cultural, social, and historical dimensions of sound in everyday life. The initial chapters examine the presence of sound in forms such as church bells, animal voices, and temporal markers, introducing the idea of the "keynote" in acoustic environments. The work traces the evolution of urban soundscapes - from street serenades to industrial noise - and analyzes how noise may represent power or pose invisible hazards. Further, it investigates how music influences collective identity, individual behavior, and consumer choices. The environmental impact on sound is explored through topics like the social adaptation of telephones, musical responses to industrialization, and the emergence of machine music. In its final section, the thesis turns toward issues of noise pollution and the reshaping of urban acoustic environments, proposing concepts such as acoustic design, community soundscapes, and urban harmony. The work highlights the bidirectional relationship between sound and society and aims to promote greater awareness of the acoustic dimension of our environments.

Autorentext
Dou Huang is a conductor, erhu performer and music researcher currently based in Austria. Her research interests include soundscapes, intercultural music exchange, and the sociocultural dimensions of music. She is also actively involved in contemporary performance projects and is committed to promoting music as a platform for cultural dialogue.