Mal de mer is a soundscape composition that consists of field recordings from the North East coast of England; Staithes, Sandsend, Robin Hoods Bay and Burniston.
Although specific in location and recording provenance, Mal de mer alludes to sound, and more specifically, an individual’s ability to listen beyond contextual site specifics. Here the listener is not necessarily searching for markers of a given environment, but opening the ear to an immersive and engaging experience. The intention is not to replicate place, but encourage a deep shift in perception and listening.
Mal de mer was first exhibited at the Manchester Victorian Baths during the FutureSonic07 Festival. All recordings made on location during 2006. With warm thanks to Patrick and Sarah.
*Headphones recommended.
Mark Peter Wright - Mal De Mer (09:08)
12 comments:
I really liked this. I can't believe such a dramatic range of sounds could occur in a such a small geographical area. Would be interested to know how many individual sounds were used to create this work and how long a time period they were recorded over.
Thanks Christine,
Regarding individual sounds; there is probably only 4 sound sources; seagulls, sea, wind and rain. However, within each is layer upon layer of different recording perspectives, for instance there is probably up to 10 different recording perspectives of the sea.
Pretty much all recordings took place during easter 06, seems like a long long time ago now...
It is a quite remarkable geographical area, and includes the even more remarkably named "Boggle Hole". It was here that I witnessed an enormous section of cliff fall from the face many years ago, and the sound was an unrepeatable cavernous collapse onto sand.
Nice one, Mark.
Yeah, erosion is a big issue here. I'll take a trip to 'Boggle Hole' next time I'm there, Cheers :)
A surprisingly violent piece. The North Sea is pretty unforgiving. Loved it.
The North Sea is certainly unforgiving, as is nature generally, there's always romance and rupture involved. Cheers M.
This is really great Mark! I love how the feel of the piece changes over time. The first section creates a feeling of being sheltered from the elements, like staring out from the mouth of a cave, while the Kittiwakes circle above and the waves lap outside. Then it's as if you've been kicked out onto the beach and are experiencing the full force of nature! Excellent stuff.
Have you heard the birds at Bempton Cliffs further down the coast? Early summer is best, tremendous sounds. Thanks for this, Mark, needed it to prompt me to think about what's important right now. :)
Thanks for the Tip off Trevor, I'm back in that area next month for a new work so may just pop by Bempton Cliffs. Ta.
great piece Mark. Is that the whole thing or is it part of a longer composition?
john
Cheers John, that is the whole composed piece although there's plenty of single, unedited recordings somewhere within my own archives. My favourite being a long recording of the rocks being pulled to and fro with the tides as a storm circled Sandsend.
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