Music, Place, and Identity in Italian Urban Soundscapes circa 1550-1860

Music, Place, and Identity in Italian Urban Soundscapes circa 1550-1860 explores the role of music in the physical, cultural, and civic spaces of Italian cities from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century, demonstrating how music and sound were intimately connected to changing social and political practices. It offers a critical redefinition of the core concept of soundscape and investigates how sounds and musics have contributed to the construction of human identities and communities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Music, Place, and Identity in Italian Urban Soundscapes circa 1550-1860 presents fresh insights into the multifaceted role of music in the physical, cultural, and civic realms of Italian cities from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. Spanning thirteen chapters, contributors delve into the intricate interplay between sound and space within these urban contexts, showcasing how music and sound were intricately intertwined with evolving social and political practices. The volume offers a critical reevaluation of the fundamental concept of soundscape, examining musical practices through the lenses of territory, space, representation, and identity. This exploration is divided into five parts:

Soundscape, Phonosphere, and Urban History
In this section, contributors explore the dynamic relationship between sound and space within urban environments. They demonstrate how music and sound shaped the spatial experiences and perceptions of individuals and communities, influencing social interactions, cultural practices, and urban development.

Urban Soundscapes across Time
The chapters in this section examine the evolution of urban soundscapes over different historical periods. Contributors analyze how musical practices, technologies, and cultural trends influenced the composition, performance, and reception of music in urban spaces, highlighting the changing dynamics and cultural significance of urban soundscapes.

Urban Soundscapes and Acoustic Communities
The contributors in this section examine the role of acoustic communities in shaping urban soundscapes. They explore the ways in which specific groups, such as musicians, performers, or residents, contribute to the creation, performance, and appreciation of music in urban environments, fostering a sense of belonging and identity among participants.

Urban Soundscapes in Literary Sources
The chapters in this section explore the representation of urban soundscapes in literary sources, such as novels, poems, and essays. Contributors analyze how writers and artists have captured the essence of urban sounds, using descriptive language and sensory details to convey the emotional and cultural significance of urban soundscapes.

Reconstructing Urban Soundscapes in the Digital Era
In this section, contributors discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital era in reconstructing urban soundscapes. They explore the use of digital technologies, such as audio recordings, virtual reality, and interactive mapping, to capture, preserve, and interpret the sounds of urban spaces, enabling a broader understanding and appreciation of urban heritage.

Music, Place, and Identity in Italian Urban Soundscapes circa 1550-1860 extends our understanding of Italian music history beyond traditional models of patronage, delving into how sounds and musics have contributed to the formation of human identities and communities. By examining the intricate connections between music, place, and identity, this volume offers a rich and multifaceted perspective on the role of music in shaping the urban landscape of Italy during a pivotal period of its history.

Weight: 775g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367748425