Wild Soundscapes
Discovering the Voice of the Natural World
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 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", which premiered in the UK in 2014 with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and composed, in 2015, the score for the Alonzo King LINES Ballet ensemble's Biophony. He lives in Glen Ellen, CA.
Reviews
"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"
"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"
