Society can be heard and seen as an acoustic structure with acoustic features. The human being is part of a complex sound sphere, a “noisy territory”, or more precisely: he is producer and hearer of noise at once. Auditive influence and information are essential for his relation to environment and culture.

Since the beginning of the 20^th century, anlysizing noise and using sounds for artistic work is a common practice. Furthermore, the study of noise has become part of academic fields such as cultural studies, acoustic ecology and interdisciplinary acoustic design. Technological innovations enabled several approaches, such as the noise instrumentarium, participative works, concepts and scores. All approaches see noise first and foremost within its lifeworld context, its musical value is secondary.

Contrary to traditional European art music, noise forms a completely new resource taken from immediate reality. Noise is a direct result of society that always indicates its place of origin. Noise as an acoustic event plays a significant role – it’s dependent of both time and space.

Soundscape studies and selected audition pieces will illustrate the artistic integration and usage of acoustic elements, that originate from everyday life.