Listen to the following composition: Barry Truax, Pendlerdrøm (1997)
The link is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tX9oOBD1ro&list=WL&index=2&t=204s
Background Information:
– This is an example of soundscape composition. More information on this form of sound art can be found here: PDF I put it in the file; The name is “Soundscape Composition”
– It also has its origins in the World Soundscape Project. More information on this can be found here: PDF I put in the file; The name is “WORLD SOUNDSCAPE PROJECT”
– These are the program notes that Barry Truax provides for Pendlerdrøm:
Pendlerdrøm (or “Commuterdream”) is a soundscape composition that recreates a commuter’s trip home from the Central Train Station in Copenhagen. At two points, one in the station and the other on the train, the commuter lapses into a daydream in which the sounds that were only half heard in the station return to reveal their musical qualities. It is hoped that the next day the commuter will hear the musicality of the station’s soundscape in a different manner as a result of the dream; the rest of us may discover the very same aspects the second time we hear the work.
Answer the questions below in short paragraph form (200-300 words per paragraph, per question).
1. Why is this considered music?
2. How does this work exemplify the goals of the World Soundscape Project? Is it successful? (Read the program notes again)
3. The first section change begins at about 5:10 (in the video) and last about 20 seconds. What happens at this point that gives a sense of structural change to the work?
4. What elements of counterpoint are used in the first 2 minutes (3:06 – 5:10 in the video)? Describe all the sounds and their start times. How are the different lines differentiated? Bach used pitches – what does Truax use?
5. Truax suggests that the subject of the soundscape – the imagined commuter – lapses into daydreams. How does the composer accomplish this? Did you get the sense of a dream?
