East and West: Sound Symbol and Narrative in Acousmatic Music

Abstract

Symbols play a pivotal role in shaping human cognition, with sound symbols holding a particularly distinguished place. In the realm of electroacoustic music, these symbols serve as powerful tools for exploring composition and its profound philosophical dimensions. By immersing oneself in the intricate and rich narratives woven by sound symbols, a deeper appreciation and understanding of the music's creation and essence can be attained. This perspective becomes even more enriched when considering the diverse sound symbols employed in compositions from both Eastern and Western traditions. These symbols allow composers to create intricate and layered auditory landscapes within their electroacoustic works, broadening their creative horizons and opening up new avenues for intuitive connection with their audiences. Through the skillful use of sound symbols, composers can convey their musical message more effectively, fostering a stronger bond and deeper understanding with their listeners. The exploration and manipulation of these symbols not only enhance the creative process but also deepen the emotional and intellectual resonance of the music with its audience.

Drawing inspiration from the groundbreaking work of Pierre Schaeffer, who articulated four fundamental modes of listening, and the enlightening interpretation of these modes by Andrea Valle, this exploration probes deeply into the intricate dynamics shaping the genesis and evolution of sound signs within the realm of Acousmatic Music. Our focus is on the multifaceted and time-bound journey of sound sign development, a process intricately woven with various influential factors. The creative vision of the composer, the unique auditory experiences of the listener, and the diverse communication mediums serve as pivotal players in this evolving landscape. Each component contributes to the continuous transformation of sound signs, crafting an ever-changing auditory narrative. Our analysis meticulously examines the narrative structures that underpin our perception and interaction with sound signs. The syntactic frameworks within these structures illuminate the organized patterns inherent in sound, providing a blueprint for understanding its structure. Textual frameworks, on the other hand, unravel the narrative threads embedded within the soundscape, offering insights into the stories and emotions conveyed through sound. Material frameworks probe the raw, unprocessed elements of sound, revealing the fundamental building blocks of auditory expression. Spatial frameworks, meanwhile, map out the auditory landscapes in which these sound signs reside, creating a spatial context that enhances our understanding and appreciation of the sound. Furthermore, metaphorical frameworks offer fresh perspectives by drawing parallels between sound signs and other domains. These analogies help us to see sound signs in new lights, facilitating a deeper and more nuanced understanding of their meaning and impact.

This commentary emphasizes five core qualities of effective symbol narratives: syntax, texture, depth, layout, and metaphor. These interlinked attributes offer creators diverse artistic angles and analysts profound insights into musical structures.

Date of Award	20 May 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Bangor University
Supervisor	Andrew Lewis (Supervisor) & Guto Puw (Supervisor)