Inaudible – Audible, Among the Bats

Opening of the sound sculpture.

The project bridges the gap between sound ecology and bioacoustic music. Sound ecology explores an almost inaudible sound environment for humans, while bioacoustic music incorporates sounds also from the inaudible frequency spectrum. The composition combines nocturnal human sounds with bat calls from the ultrasonic spectrum, processed and moved into the audible range. Bat calls are joined by other primarily nocturnal sounds with a background function. The final sound space encompasses the castle’s inner space, the distant forest, and the middle space represented by the outer plateau around the castle. The composition is played on headphones, providing a spatial (3D, 360°) ambisonic sound projection. This intimate and spatial experience avoids additional sound pollution of the natural environment at Rihemberg Castle.

The paesaggio sonorosound sculpture, its concept and realisation is the work of Boštjan Perovšek, a musician, composer and soundspace artist. He composes mainly experimental, electroacoustic music and specialises in creating bioacoustic music based on the sounds of animals, particularly insects. He also plays in the band SAETA and composes music for film, theatre, performances and multimedia installations. He is dedicated to the fusion of science and art and has made a significant contribution to the development of creation of soundscapes for public events, museums and galleries.

Photo: Uroš Rojc