Call to prayer through raindrops
In Tuzla, as in many cities in Bosnia, the Adhan (Islamic call to public prayer) sounds five times a day. I caught this one after a rain shower, when drops were still gently falling from gutters and branches. Recorded by Manu Hollard.
3m Dec 11, 2022
3m
Overheard conversations at the Teatro Olimpico
Conversations in Italian taking place outside a cafe by the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza. Recorded by Cities and Memory.
3m Dec 11, 2022
3m
Cascata di Ru de Assola waterfall
Sounds from the bottom of the tumbling Cascata di Ru de Assola waterfall near Borca di Cadore in the Italian Dolomites. Recorded by Cities and Memory.
4m Dec 11, 2022
4m
We are not afraid to say
"I listened to the speeches over and over and I realised that they are all saying radical things to a crowd of strangers, any of who could be hostile in a minute. I imagined how it must feel like to build up that kind of courage to stand up against your homeland in a foreign land. So this piece is a music interpretation of that inner journey from the first spark, to the final moment when you ca...
5m Dec 11, 2022
5m
Mbarìki
"A river is a place where a traveler rests to take water, freshen up and reflect on the journey. The streaming sound of the water, the birds singing and nearby people having conversations  give the traveler the freedom to reflect on the journey past and prepare for the future journey. This composition was inspired by how the source sound made me feel: Like that traveler. "Using the birds and t...
3m Dec 11, 2022
3m
Intriga
"This song was composed from a somewhat disturbing and dark audition. The sound piece conveyed a feeling of bewilderment and intrigue, reminding me of a scene from the movie “The Birds” by A. Hitchcock. Generating an ideal environment to set a suspenseful rhythm with low sounds in various sound planes, as if it were a momentarily lowering mist. Submerging the voices of the two people, in an inc...
4m Dec 11, 2022
4m
Time lapses
"Listening to the funeral bell tolling backwards and forwards, and at different speeds, revealed a mournful chant that became a dirge of its own, a second layer of mourning hidden within casual conversation. "Temporally, the chant works with the bell but also at odds with it, and building the dirge around this sample led to a persistent feeling of the time being off kilter or out of joint." B...
6m Dec 11, 2022
6m
Anti-Ukraine war protest, Oxford
On 6 March 2022, shortly after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Oxford's Ukrainian community convened an anti-war protest in Radcliffe Square in the city centre, in which Ukrainians and Russians alike gave speeches denouncing the war and talking about their own personal experiences. Recorded by Cities and Memory.
9m Dec 11, 2022
9m
Bells chime before the Queen's funeral
Bells ring out for one hour at 10.00am on the morning of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on 19 September 2022 - the funeral commenced at 11.00am. The city was extremely quiet, with a genuine sense of sadness and occasion as people scurried home to watch the funeral on TV. At Christ Church College, the famous Old Tom bell rang out in the central quadrangle, and we were there to record it. Rec...
14m Dec 11, 2022
14m
Birds on the bank of the river Nyabarongo
Recording made on the bank of the river Nyabarongo, on the southern border of the province of Kigali: on the background, the sound of the river blends with the traffic on the highway bridge, while two birds skirmish on the ground nearby. Recorded by Maria Conterno.
2m Dec 11, 2022
2m
Indian jungle in the morning
2022-06-17 9.16AM; The Postcard Hideaway resort gardens in the morning; the sound of morning wildlife in tropical rural India. Recorded by Mark Wilden.
8m Dec 11, 2022
8m
Homage to Coimbra (Homenagem à Coimbra)
Inspired by the song "Coimbra é uma lição", the first piece's part begins with a progression of chords in Fm with some electronic elements while the unique Portuguese word "saudade" is repeated in the background. The second part, the lyrics of the previously mentioned song are recited, with the soundscape playing in the background. Coimbra shopping street reimagined by Pedro Veiga.
3m Dec 11, 2022
3m
Medieval fado archway, Coimbra
Under the medieval Arco de Almedina archway, traditional fado music seeps out from a souvenir shop built into the side of the arch in Coimbra, Portugal. Recorded by Cities and Memory.
3m Dec 11, 2022
3m
Gulls divebombing at Lagoa do Fogo
Gulls divebomb us from above as we accidentally walk too close to their nesting area along the stony beach of Lagoa do Fogo, Sao Miguel in the Azores. You can also hear gentle waves and a light breeze on this fine day. Recorded by Cities and Memory.
3m Dec 11, 2022
3m
Lagoa do Fogo
The calm serenity of Lagoa do Fogo inspired the ambience behind this slow ecstatic dance track invoking organic sounds with layers of Sitar & electric guitar. The soothing ambience takes the listening on an epic inward journey provoking curiosity to discover an unknown. Lagoa do Fogo sounds reimagined by Matt Marsiglia.
6m Dec 11, 2022
6m
Traditional French busker in Montmartre
A guitar busker plays some traditional French songs in Place du Calvaire, Montmartre, Paris - a tourist hotspot, as you can also hear from the large number of tourists passing by and listening in this recording. Recorded by Cities and Memory.
4m Dec 11, 2022
4m
Inside a busy food hall, Manchester
Lunchtime peak in the Mackie Mayor food hall in Manchester - loud noise of diners, plates, food preparation heard from the balcony lining the upper floor of this converted space. Reimagined by Cities and Memory.
3m Dec 11, 2022
3m
Manchester memories
"Having studied music at Manchester Metropolitan University, I have fond memories of Manchester in the 90s. I found the sound recording very evocative. I have tried to create a piece that represents something of my musical memories whilst also foregrounding the recording and its inherent musicality." Mackie Mayor, Manchester reimagined by Dead Kousin.
2m Dec 11, 2022
2m
Paris in four acts
"This song was inspired by the cultural diversity of the streets of Paris. Samples from the original recording were essential in the composition process, bringing an urban atmosphere to the song. This work consists of four acts." Parisian busker reimagined by Magnus Carvalho.
6m Dec 11, 2022
6m
hairst
"hairst is my remixed, reimagining of a cello improvisation sample recorded at Brookes University, Oxford, as part of Autumn Project by Cities and Memory. 'Using entirely cut sections of the original audio to create all of the musical elements, the sounds were recomposed and mingled with my own field recordings captured in the Scottish Borders over the autumn months to evoke the changeable ele...
3m Dec 10, 2022
3m
Tuning fluctuations
"I picked this particular piece feeling like this is a time to guide my movements in a more calm, and present pace. This choice of the field recording to interpret, was an attempt to practice a more contemplative state of being through working with a possibly more neutral, and meditative source material. "While interpreting this recording, my mind, conditioned to a degree of stimuli, greater t...
4m Dec 10, 2022
4m
Insects and rain in Goa
2022-06-18 10.17PM, the Lalit Golf & Spa Resort after dark.  The sound of insects and rain on corrugated roofs in a courtyard within the resort complex. Recorded by Mark Wilden.
2m Dec 10, 2022
2m
Cello improvisation, Oxford
A cello improvisation performed by Oxford Improvisers in 2014, recorded by Cities and Memory.
3m Dec 10, 2022
3m
Modal calve
"Upon listening to the recording,  the unusual acoustics and mix of sounds in the cave made me want to zoom into the audio in detail, so initially I slowed the track down, creating even more otherworldly sounds!  These inspired me to create yet another world!  No synthesisers were used, just the manipulated source audio. To create my composition I first selected a small section of the recording...
9m Dec 10, 2022
9m
Struggle
"Protests are happening all over the planet in this very moment. The struggle for freedom, a decent and sustainable life is constant. To bring your messages across you have to step into the ring against the mighty and omnipresent noise of the status quo. 'This kinda eerie ambient sound design is meant to reflect on that. The protest chants of Edinburgh are accompanied with a pitched down recor...
4m Dec 10, 2022
4m
Climate emergency
"As an environmentalist, I was inspired by the people who were out on the streets of Edinburgh demanding action on climate change. I was particularly struck by the sound of sirens juxtaposed with the passionate voice of a woman declaring a climate emergency, so I explored putting those sounds together to convey a sense of urgency. At the end of the original recording, there was very quiet music...
2m Dec 10, 2022
2m
Nam Lod cave, Thailand
Bats and swifts, water flowing and dripping in Nam Lod cave, Thailand. Recorded by Marcel Gnauk. IMAGE: © Vyacheslav Argenberg / http://www.vascoplanet.com/, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
7m Dec 10, 2022
7m
Edinburgh climate protests, Hanover street
On Saturday 12 November 2022 in Edinburgh, a coalition of climate groups marched through the city to demand Climate Justice in solidarity with the Global Day of Action called by Egyptian groups at COP27. Performances, songs and chants featured throughout, some of which captured via field recordings. This recording was from Hanover Street to The Mound and features a chant of 'What do we want? C...
2m Dec 10, 2022
2m
Edinburgh climate protests, The Mound
On Saturday 12 November 2022 in Edinburgh, a coalition of climate groups marched through the city to demand Climate Justice in solidarity with the Global Day of Action called by Egyptian groups at COP27. Performances, songs and chants featured throughout, some of which captured via field recordings. This recording was from The Mound and features a chant of 'No More Coal, No More Oil! Keep your...
1m Dec 10, 2022
1m
Commemoration of the fallen partisans
A commemorative service for the fallen partisans of World War II in the city centre of Padova, Italy, held in August 2022. Recorded by Cities and Memory.
12m Dec 10, 2022
12m
Mourning Queen Elizabeth II in Oxford
Pealing bells ring out from the medieval Carfax Tower in the centre of Oxford on 9 September 2022 to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Unlike the dolorous, single and half-chimes of the other city centre bells, the Carfax Tower was pealing a more celebratory splash of bells. Recorded by Cities and Memory.
4m Dec 10, 2022
4m
AIBOQD1
"A ambient noise, sample and reflection audio composition, using active and passive audio to create a soundscape of reflection and interest. Including ironic appropriation of modern styles, long form auditory improvisations and found vocal lines, this piece documents an emotional rationalisation of the confusion, grief and confusion of a nation. "The bells and their surplus captures are featur...
15m Dec 10, 2022
15m
Considering a voice whilst in the crowd
"This piece, originally made up of a single female voice speaking at a commemoration event in Italy, has been reimagined from the perspective of a child within the audience, trying to make sense, both contextually and sonically, of what he/she hears. At moments clear, at other moments a blur, as attention strays into other worlds." Partisan commemoration in Padova reimagined by George Edmondson.
8m Dec 10, 2022
8m
Shizi Dan
"The work process I used recalls different techniques of sound synthesis. "Starting from the concept and study of “soundscape” I left the track of the original audio file unchanged so as to have a sound background that acts as a glue, in this sense I kept the audio in its original form unchanged from the sound point of view, the only variations concern the length of the file where I did simple...
9m Dec 10, 2022
9m
Suvarnabhumi airport, Bangkok
Leaving an aircraft, walking to baggage claim on a travelator, and announcements in Thai and Chinese, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok. Recorded by Marcel Gnauk. IMAGE: Roger Price, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
13m Dec 10, 2022
13m
Fusion
"As I listened to the field recording my attention instantly went to the polarity of city and nature sounds. My intention was to fuse them with each other, bringing harmony to nature and the way we humans live on this planet. "I started off experimenting with the sample, trying to bring out different resonances and my first feel was like an ambient type song. I brought in some synthesizers, in...
10m Dec 09, 2022
10m
The Mandovi River at night
9.34PM local time, 2022-06-15; the Crown Hotel Goa, India, standing on a balcony overlooking the river with casino boats cruising, air conditioning units humming, traffic, etc. Recorded by Mark Wilden.
3m Dec 09, 2022
3m
Croatia on tape
"I knew I needed to use the crickets as an instrument, as they're almost singing in unison. And I've been obsessed with bouncing tracks to tape mid-song. By pausing the tape repeatedly while bouncing to it, I was able to create the drum sounds. With those two approaches, this was built. 95% of the audio is from the source track." Crickets in Croatia reimagined by Josh Evert.
5m Dec 09, 2022
5m
Maspalomas rebound
"My wife and I have been to Maspalomas a few times - it reminds me of switching off, recharging. I have used only the original sound in this piece, no other instruments or sounds." Gran Canaria lighthouse reimagined by Kitty Turner (Speed For Lovers).
6m Dec 09, 2022
6m
Cicadas, crickets, locusts and dogs at dusk
I was on the top of a hill in Slatina, a small town in Croatia, as the sun was setting... Insects began their symphony, soon followed by dogs! Recorded in Slatina, Croatia by Manu Hollard.
3m Dec 09, 2022
3m
Faro Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
Most people visit the lighthouse because it is such a photogenic place. And it really is a peaceful place where many beautiful pictures have been taken. During your walk, you will pass by it in no time. But if you really take the time to listen to the calm water and you are so close to the ocean, you lose all sense of time and you can spend hours there. The true calming effect of water. I tried...
9m Dec 09, 2022
9m
Taking off from Madrid
Airbus 380 aircraft interior and takeoff sounds from Madrid Airport. Recorded by Marcel Gnauk. IMAGE: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
3m Dec 09, 2022
3m
Neighbourhood cows, Sweden
"In a pasture bordering a residential area, the cows are grazing. Nearby, a homeowner mows the grass in his or her garden. Maybe the cows will get a taste of freshly cut grass soon? Various distant birds from the forest on the other side of the pasture. Some traffic noice from a highway a few kilometers away." Recorded in Astorp, Sweden by Stellan Johansson.
2m Dec 09, 2022
2m
Just a breath away
"The calming sound of large placid animals breathing in and out - like you are now - then the sound of their jaws munching was my chosen soundtrack. This evoked a quiet meadow in the first flush of a Swedish summer as dusk approached, cows resting on their knees.Breathing was the dominant sound but there were also accompanying rustles, chirps and insects. "I wanted to develop and enhance that ...
2m Dec 09, 2022
2m
Arrivals, departures
"The airport as a place of movement, everyone in transit, a node in a network of arrivals and departures. At the same time it's also a place of often deeply felt emotion from human connections -- anticipated meetings, grieving goodbyes. "My piece tries to paint those feelings in colours of shimmering sound, with the ambient vocals of Danica Hoffart and stand up bass of Trevor DePagie, as a bac...
12m Dec 09, 2022
12m
Jerusalem - Tel Aviv express train
Ambient sound collected on board the Jerusalem - Tel Aviv railway just outside Jerusalem using a Zoom H1N field recorder. The audio was captured on board the train and includes predominantly the sound of the engine. Recorded by Daniel Rosehill.
38s Dec 09, 2022
38s
Tel Aviv intersection traffic
Typical ambient sound collected in Tel Aviv (with plenty of honking) using the Zoom H1N. Recorded by Daniel Rosehill.
1m Dec 09, 2022
1m
Under the train
"The track "Under the train" is based on a recording of an Israeli train in Tel Aviv, recorded by Daniel Rosenhill. In 2020, there were more than 2,000 victims in the European Union related to train accidents. The vast majority of that number are suicides. Idea of full of reverb and delay loops and some sounds from Omnisphere and NI Kontakt synthesizers is to remind us of the grim aspect of tra...
2m Dec 09, 2022
2m
Let my people go
"The short piece for Tel Aviv is based on the recording of Daniel Rosehill and I thank him very much for the material he shared with me. This recording describes the urban environment of the city, (horns, cars, horns, horns, footsteps, sirens) is short and has some small noises at the end. I could describe it as technically difficult and that's why I chose it. I considered it a challenge! "Als...
3m Dec 09, 2022
3m
Grey mass
"All sounds in the piece come from the original recording, but have been processed, usually by slowing down and adding delays. I really liked the original recording and spent a lot of time listening to it, finding the "small" and interesting sounds in it, and looked at them with a microscope by slowing down the playback. I have problems with christianity, and wanted to highlight both the beauti...
4m Dec 07, 2022
4m