I am pleased to announce that a website specialized for music based on sonification has been opened.
“Listen to the sound of the earth turning.”
Yoko Ono (1963)
This is a quote of instructional art published by Yoko Ono in 1963. At first glance, this may be seen as an unrealizable instruction and a metaphor of some kind. In the present age, it is possible to observe the earth, collect digital data, convert it into audible feature, and listen to it. Such process is called sonification.
Familiar examples are heart rate monitors in hospitals and radiation dosimeters (Geiger counters). The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has converted observation data from space-borne telescopes and planetary probes into sounds. Although it is now possible to listen to the data or information that could not be heard directly by people, can they really be called “music”? What is needed for the sonified parts to be incorporated into major music works? These questions are the motivations behind the creation of my work.
Hi Nagai-kun, good to see the nice project. I think the earth environment is full of wonderful music tunes. Go get and compose those with your artistic sense.
I appreciate your comment, Terry san! And I am sorry for missing your latest e-mail about sonification due to my recent super-busy condition.
Yes, we really have a big ambition. I am happy that my activity inspires many aspects of earth science and art.