The Soundscape

This is among the best books Ive ever read. Every sentence is packed with information. If you like to play scrabble this is a good read also. The author draws from so many sources and time periods. Highly suggested!

p.7, Schafer quote: "...tribal societies where under the strict control of the flourishing community, music is tightly structured while in detribalized areas the individual sings appallingly sentimental songs." -SchaferWhy is it that invariably, whenever this group of guys refers to a flourishing community,its an example where they still go outside, squat down, and defecate on the ground?To put it more simply, THE PEE ON A TREE SOCIETY?Dichotomy = linguistic manipulationObviously, there is an entire spectrum, infinite forms of social structure out there,and he lumps it into tribalized and detribalized.He also redefined clairaudience (clear hearing) as clean hearing.And this sums up his belief structure fairly well: "neither animal seems to have been elevated to the ELYSIAN FIELDS." p.97 "mystical trance by chanting and whirling in slow gyrations."That said, he is very knowledgeable; but I'd find someone else instructing the material.He strikes me as the "ex-drug addict college professor". And he's professing a lot. And getting stuck in a lot is not cool.

Even though this book has been around for a good while, it is still a necessary read. How we have altered our sonic society and fallen out of touch with sound is truly startling. You really must read this, and investigate how much you really don't hear!

This book will change the way you listen to the world around you at any given moment. It was a revelation for me. I cherish it and, even though it may sound slightly hyperbolic, it has changed my life.

I read the first edition 20+ years ago and have always since tried to turn my musician friends on to it. If you compose, produce or do any type of sound design the info in this book is essential. It really opened my ears and my mind. Great book.

Stumbled upon this as an amazon user recommendation. Very cool general reading about sound and psychology.

This is must-read for anyone interested in the history of the sounds that human activities and enterprises make. And he relates these to developments in music history. In addition, he challenges us to listen to our environment and improve them sonically.

bouught as a gift, fine condition

This is a classic. I bought it, because four people had reserved it before me in the library. Dr Schafer's concept of 'soundscape' as proved to be one of the most interesting and fruitful areas of research. Dr Schafer and his Vancouver team have written and analysed sound at a time of increasing intrusion of unwanted sound. Following ancient methods and others, he analyses sounds and noises along with Music.

I was looking for a good book on sound propagation. I operate in the field of sound design and this book helped me think about sound in a completely new way. A more organic view is offered here and if you are looking for a good source book for noise pollution or an interesting recount of audio history i recommend this book for you. I am an audio engineer by schooling and this really offered an interesting aspect into sound design and also some interesting history.

Have wanted this since university.. great book, the history of our sonic environment.

Fantastic book. Great for those interested in sound and nature.

Came quick and is a great book