Review

DOI :10.26650/CONS2024-1399485 IUP :10.26650/CONS2024-1399485 Full Text (PDF)

The Definition of Noise and How it Relates to Music: A Literature Review

In this research, various definitions of noise are chronologically compiled and evaluated, particularly within the framework of music sciences. The study explores how different authors conceive of noise, emphasizing the consistency and uniqueness of each author’s approach within their disciplinary paradigm. The thought sequence formed by these approaches demonstrates that defining noise is a complex issue. The authors highlight factors complicating noise definition, such as the subjectivity of the perception of noise, the impact of evolving technology, practices of modern daily life, cultural elements, and the lack of interdisciplinary perspectives. Furthermore, this research sheds light on how the boundaries between noise and music have blurred over time, how noise has entered the domain of music, and even the concept of ’noise music’ emerging through the direct musicalization of noise. The compiled definitions in the study reveal the versatility and flexibility of the concept of noise, even within a limited scope. Thus, the multifaceted nature of noise thinking in the field is uncovered, and the reflection of the relationship between noise and music in the literature is evaluated.

Keywords: Noise, music, culture, aesthetics, literature

DOI :10.26650/CONS2024-1399485 IUP :10.26650/CONS2024-1399485 Full Text (PDF)

Gürültünün Tanımı ve Müzikle İlişkisi: Bir Literatür Derlemesi

Bahadırhan Koçer

Gürültüye getirilmiş olan çeşitli tanımların kronolojik şekilde derlendiği ve değerlendirildiği bu araştırmada, özellikle müzik bilimleri çerçevesinde çalışmalarda bulunmuş yazarların gürültüyü nasıl düşündüğü irdelenmiştir. Her bir yazarın kendi disipliner paradigması içerisinde tutarlılık ve özgünlük taşıdığı görülen yaklaşımlarıyla oluşan düşünce dizisi göstermiştir ki, gürültünün tanımlanması çetrefilli bir meseledir. Farklı yazarlar, gürültüyü tanımlamakta güçlüğe sebep olan etmenler arasında gürültünün algılanması sürecinin öznelliğini, gelişen teknolojinin etkisini, modern gündelik yaşam pratiklerini, kültür unsurunu ve disiplinlerarası bakış eksikliğini işaret etmişlerdir. Öte yandan bu araştırma, literatürde zaman içerisinde gürültü ve müzik arasındaki sınırların nasıl eridiğine, gürültünün müziğin alanına nasıl girdiğine ve hatta gürültünün doğrudan müzikleşmesi üzerinden ‘gürültü müziği’ kavramına da ışık tutmaktadır. Araştırmada derlenen tanımlar, gürültünün kısıtlı bir alanda dahi ne denli çok yönlü ve esnek bir kavram olduğunu gözler önüne sermiştir. Böylelikle alandaki gürültü düşüncesinin çok yönlülüğü keşfedilmiş, gürültü ve müzik ilişkisinin literatürdeki yansıması değerlendirilmiştir.

Keywords: Gürültü, müzik, kültür, estetik, literatür

EXTENDED ABSTRACT

This research ponders on the evolving landscape of noise studies, compiling and scrutinizing various definitions of noise. The focal point of this investigation is the field of music sciences, where diverse authors offer distinct perspectives on the intricacies of noise. Through a chronological exploration of these perspectives, the study elucidates the consistency and uniqueness of each author’s approach within their disciplinary paradigm, collectively forming a compilation of noise discourse.

The thought sequence derived from these approaches underscores the inherent complexity in defining noise. Authors grapple with multifaceted elements that complicate the conceptualization of noise. One prominent theme is the subjectivity inherent in the perception of noise. The interplay between individual experiences and the sonic environment shapes the understanding of noise, reflecting the highly personal nature of this auditory phenomenon.

Technological advancements emerge as another influential factor in the evolving discourse on noise. Authors recognize the direct impact of technology on noise in modern daily life. The advent of technologies such as tape recording, signal amplification, and transmission has not only altered the representation of noise but has also paved the way for entirely new systems of musical representation. This technological paradigm shift has led to noise transcending its traditional role, directly metamorphosing into a musical entity.

Moreover, the study sheds light on the cultural dimensions woven into the fabric of noise studies. The cultural context shapes both the production and reception of noise, influencing its categorization and interpretation. As noise intertwines with the fabric of contemporary life, its representation in music becomes a product of cultural influences. This intersection of noise and culture becomes a crucial element in the broader understanding of noise as a dynamic and evolving concept. Additionally, the research emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of noise studies, exposing the lacuna in comprehensive perspectives.

Moreover, the article delves into the intricate temporal dynamics of the delineation between noise and music. It meticulously traces the historical trajectory wherein the once distinct boundaries separating noise and music have progressively eroded, allowing noise to permeate and intertwine with the very fabric of musical expression. The nuanced exploration of this evolution reveals a fascinating interplay between divergent sonic elements that were once considered disparate.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a shifting musical landscape, where the porous nature of these boundaries emerges as a central theme. It illuminates how noise, once relegated to the outskirts of musical discourse, has assertively infiltrated the hallowed realm of music. This infiltration challenges preconceived notions and prompts a reevaluation of the traditional dichotomy between order and chaos, harmony and discord. At the heart of this evolving paradigm lies the emergence of ’noise music’ as a profound manifestation. The term encapsulates the transformative journey of noise from an external disruptor to an integral component of musical composition. This evolution challenges the conventional understanding of music, urging scholars and enthusiasts to reconsider established norms.

The compiled definitions presented in this research portray noise as a remarkably versatile and flexible concept, transcending limitations even within a confined scope. This versatility underscores the dynamic nature of noise thinking in the field. Within this flexibility, the intricate relationship between noise and music finds its reflection in the literature.

In conclusion, this research serves as a valuable resource for contemporary researchers seeking to engage with the complexities of noise. By weaving together diverse perspectives from notable authors, the study not only provides a comprehensive overview of the historical trajectory of noise studies but also highlights the persistent challenges and evolving nature of noise discourse within the field of musicology. The interdisciplinary approach advocated by the authors encourages scholars to adopt a holistic view, recognizing the multifaceted dimensions that contribute to the ever-expanding complexity of noise studies.

References

Arya, R. (2014). The many faces of abjection: a review of recent literatüre. Journal for Cultural Research, 18(4), 406-415. https://doi.org/10.1080/14797585.2014.941162 google scholar
Attali, J. (1985). Noise: The Political Economy of Music. (B. Massumi, Trans.). University of Minnesota Press. google scholar
Bartholomew, W. T. (1942). Acoustics of Music. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall. google scholar
Dubois, P. (2016). L’impossible tentationdubruitdans lamusique anglaise alafinduXVIHe siecle. InEtudes Episteme (Issue 29). OpenEdition. https://doi.org/10.4000/episteme.1122 google scholar
Duschinsky, R. (2013). Abjection and self-identity: towards a revised account of purity and impurity. SAGE The Sociological Review, 61(4), 709-727. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-954x.12081 google scholar
Fagan, A. (2010). Theodor Adorno (1903-1969). Internet encyclopedia of philosophy. Retrieved from https://iep.utm.edu/adorno/ google scholar
Foreman, J. E. K. (1990). Basics of Sound. In: Sound Analysis and Noise Control. (pp. 1-15) Boston, MA: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-6677-5_1 google scholar
Fulka, J. (2006). Le langage de l’abjection: kristeva et celine. Verbum, 8(1), 109-115. https://doi.org/10.1556/verb.8.2006.1.8 google scholar
Hainge, G. (2013). Noise Matters: Towards An Ontology of Noise. Oxford, UK: Bloomsbury Academic. google scholar
Hegarty, P. (2005). Noise and Music: A History. Oxford, UK: Bloomsbury google scholar
Hegarty, P. (2001). Noise threshold: merzbow and the end of natural sound. Organized Sound, 6, 193-200. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1355771801003053 google scholar
Jensen, K. (2004). Irregularities, noise and random fluctuations in musical sounds. JMM: The Journal of Music and Meaning, 2. Retrieved from http://www.musicandmeaning.net/issues/showArticle.php?artID=2.3 google scholar
Kaplan, D. (1976). The joys of noise part 1. Music Educators Journal, 62(6), 37-44. https://doi.org/10.2307/3394951. google scholar
Kelly, C. (2009). Cracked Media: The Sound of Malfunction. Cambridge, UK: The MIT Press. google scholar
Liu, F., Jiang, S., Kang, J., Wu, Y., Yang, D., Meng, Q., & Wang, C. (2022). On the definition of noise. Springer Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 9(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-022-01431-x google scholar
Luna, I. B. (2021). Noise is not volume alone - ambiences and drony experiments in music and sound art. Revista V6rtex, 9(2), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.33871/23179937.2021.9.2.2 google scholar
Mazurek, M. G. (2022). Aesthetic noise: listening philosophically. (Doctoral dissertation, Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts, Portland, Maine). Retrieved from https://digitalmaine.com/academic/42 google scholar
Meriam, A. P. (1964). The Anthropology of Music. Evanston, IL: Northwestern University Press. google scholar
Montuschi, E. (2017). There is ’noise,’ and noise. Perspectives on Science, 25, 204-225. https://doi.org/10.1162/POSC_a_00241 google scholar
Riley, T.R. (2014). Noise: towards a definition (Master’s thesis, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate). Retrieved from http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/23709/. google scholar
Russolo, L. (1967). The Art of Noise (Futurist Manifesto, 1913). Manhattan, NY: Something Else Press. google scholar
Scobie, N. (2015). ’We wanted our coffee black’: public enemy, improvisation, and noise. Critical Studies in Improvisation, 10(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.21083/csieci.v10i1.3028 google scholar
Smith, N. (2005). The splinter in your ear: noise as the semblance of critique, Culture, Theory and Critique, 46(1), 43-59, https://doi.org/10.1080/14735780500102421 google scholar
Van Nort, D. (2006). Noise/music and representation systems. Organized Sound, 11(2), 173-178. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1355771806001452 google scholar
Verhagen, D.S. (2015). Noise, music & perception: towards a functional understanding of noise composition (Doctoral dissertation, RMIT University, Melbourne). Retrieved from: https://researchrepository.rmit.edu.au/esploro/fulltext/doctoral/Noise-music-perception-towards-a/9921863770301341?repId=12248219000001341&mId=13248419750001341&institution=61RMIT_INST google scholar
Wittje, R. (2020). Noise: from nuisance to research subject. Physics Today, 73, 42-48. https://doi.org/10.1063/PT.3.4409 google scholar
Wolf, M. (2009). Thinking about noise. Paper presented at Sound, Sight, Space and Play conference, De Montfort University, Leicester. Retrieved from http://www.mti.dmu.ac.uk/events-conferences/sssp2009/ google scholar

Citations

Copy and paste a formatted citation or use one of the options to export in your chosen format

EXPORT

APA

Koçer, B. (2019). The Definition of Noise and How it Relates to Music: A Literature Review. Conservatorium, 0(0), -. https://doi.org/10.26650/CONS2024-1399485

AMA

Koçer B. The Definition of Noise and How it Relates to Music: A Literature Review. Conservatorium. 2019;0(0):-. https://doi.org/10.26650/CONS2024-1399485

ABNT

Koçer, B. The Definition of Noise and How it Relates to Music: A Literature Review. Conservatorium, [Publisher Location], v. 0, n. 0, p. -, 2019.

Chicago: Author-Date Style

Koçer, Bahadırhan,. 2019. “The Definition of Noise and How it Relates to Music: A Literature Review.” Conservatorium 0, no. 0: -. https://doi.org/10.26650/CONS2024-1399485

Chicago: Humanities Style

Koçer, Bahadırhan,. “The Definition of Noise and How it Relates to Music: A Literature Review.” Conservatorium 0, no. 0 (May. 2024): -. https://doi.org/10.26650/CONS2024-1399485

Harvard: Australian Style

Koçer, B 2019, 'The Definition of Noise and How it Relates to Music: A Literature Review', Conservatorium, vol. 0, no. 0, pp. -, viewed 5 May. 2024, https://doi.org/10.26650/CONS2024-1399485

Harvard: Author-Date Style

Koçer, B. (2019) ‘The Definition of Noise and How it Relates to Music: A Literature Review’, Conservatorium, 0(0), pp. -. https://doi.org/10.26650/CONS2024-1399485 (5 May. 2024).

MLA

Koçer, Bahadırhan,. “The Definition of Noise and How it Relates to Music: A Literature Review.” Conservatorium, vol. 0, no. 0, 2019, pp. -. [Database Container], https://doi.org/10.26650/CONS2024-1399485

Vancouver

Koçer B. The Definition of Noise and How it Relates to Music: A Literature Review. Conservatorium [Internet]. 5 May. 2024 [cited 5 May. 2024];0(0):-. Available from: https://doi.org/10.26650/CONS2024-1399485 doi: 10.26650/CONS2024-1399485

ISNAD

Koçer, Bahadırhan. “The Definition of Noise and How it Relates to Music: A Literature Review”. Conservatorium 0/0 (May. 2024): -. https://doi.org/10.26650/CONS2024-1399485

Issue 02019, P. -

TIMELINE

Submitted	04.12.2023
Accepted	19.02.2024
Published Online	21.02.2024

LICENCE

Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC)

This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon your work non-commercially, and although their new works must also acknowledge you and be non-commercial, they don’t have to license their derivative works on the same terms.

Conservatorium