Wild Soundscapes: Discovering the Voice of the Natural World - Softcover

Krause, Bernie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0300218192 ISBN 13: 9780300218190

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2016

Synopsis

A founder of soundscape ecology offers a pioneering field guide for listening to and recording the sounds of the wild

Through his organization Wild Sanctuary, Bernie Krause has traveled the globe to hear and record the sounds of diverse natural habitats. Wild Soundscapes, first published in 2002, inspires readers to follow in Krause’s footsteps. The book enchantingly shows how to find creature symphonies (or, as Krause calls them, “biophonies”); use simple microphones to hear more; and record, mix, and create new expressions with the gathered sounds. After reading this book, readers will feel compelled to investigate a wide range of habitats and animal sounds, from the conversations of birds and howling sand dunes to singing anthills.
 
This rewritten and updated edition explains the newest technological advances and research, encouraging readers to understand the earth’s soundscapes in ways previously unimaginable. With links to the sounds that are discussed in the text, this accessible and engaging guide to natural soundscapes will captivate amateur naturalists, field recordists, musicians, and anyone else who wants to fully appreciate the sounds of our natural world. 

About this title

About the Author:

Bernie Krause is a soundscape ecologist, musician, and author. He and the British composer Richard Blackford collaborated on The Great Animal Orchestra: Symphony for Orchestra and Wild Soundscapes, and composed the score for the Alonzo King LINES Ballet ensemble's Biophony. He lives in Glen Ellen, CA.

Review:

“Here’s a handbook and philosophical guide for anyone, young or old, who wishes to open their senses to an often forgotten dimension of the reality around us: the sounds of the natural world—the sounds that are more than audio vibrations, but doorways into other worlds.”—Richard Louv, author of Vitamin N, Last Child in the Woods, and The Nature Principle
“Part fascinating meditation on sound, part essential manual, Bernie Krause’s Wild Soundscapes is the veritable bible for how to record nature’s fleeting song—not just technically, but reverently.”—Alan Weisman, author of Countdown and The World Without Us
“Bernie Krause hears things the rest of us don’t even realize we’re missing. But if we listen carefully, starting with him, we just might resurrect some sweet sounds we’ve lost.”—Alan Weisman, author of Countdown and The World Without Us, on Voices of the Wild (Alan Weisman)

“Here’s a handbook and philosophical guide for anyone, young or old, who wishes to open their senses to an often forgotten dimension of the reality around us: the sounds of the natural world—the sounds that are more than audio vibrations, but doorways into other worlds.”—Richard Louv, author of Vitamin N, Last Child in the Woods, and The Nature Principle (Richard Louv)

“Part fascinating meditation on sound, part essential manual, Bernie Krause’s Wild Soundscapes is the veritable bible for how to record nature’s fleeting song—not just technically, but reverently.”—Alan Weisman, author of Countdown and The World Without Us (Alan Weisman)

"Krause is a professional soundscape ecologist, and he reveals the wisdom and insider secrets gained from decades of recording audio in the wild . . .This is an extremely positive contribution to our understanding of the natural world."—Chris Fitch, Geographical (Chris Fitch Geographical 2016-10-10)

About this edition

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0300218192
• ISBN 13: 9780300218190
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240