Sounds of War and Peace: Soundscapes of European Cities in 1945

This book explores the sound world of European cities in the last year of the Second World War, using sound and soundscape studies methodologies to analyze how urban sounds shaped the inhabitants' sense of identity and the ideological forces at work in the creation of urban sound space.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 21 May 2018
Publisher: Peter Lang AG

This captivating book takes readers on a sensory journey through the vibrant soundscapes of several European cities in the final year of the Second World War. Through meticulous research and innovative methodologies, the authors delve into the intricate connections between the sounds of Amsterdam, Dortmund, Lwów/Lviv, Warsaw, and Breslau/Wrocław and the deeply distressing experiences of violence, threats, and death. By employing the rich tools developed in the fields of sound and soundscape studies, they meticulously analyze their reflections on autobiographical texts and artistic creations. The resulting studies shed light on the profound role that urban sounds played in the lives of the inhabitants as they navigated the challenges of adapting to new living conditions. Furthermore, the chapters unveil the ideological forces that shaped the creation of urban sound spaces, providing a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between sound, culture, and society. This captivating work offers a unique perspective on the human experience during a tumultuous period, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of sound and emotion that characterized the cities of Europe in the closing years of the war.

This captivating book takes readers on a sensory journey through the vibrant soundscapes of several European cities in the final year of the Second World War. Through meticulous research and innovative methodologies, the authors delve into the intricate connections between the sounds of Amsterdam, Dortmund, Lwów/Lviv, Warsaw, and Breslau/Wrocław and the deeply distressing experiences of violence, threats, and death. By employing the rich tools developed in the fields of sound and soundscape studies, they meticulously analyze their reflections on autobiographical texts and artistic creations. The resulting studies shed light on the profound role that urban sounds played in the lives of the inhabitants as they navigated the challenges of adapting to new living conditions. Furthermore, the chapters unveil the ideological forces that shaped the creation of urban sound spaces, providing a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between sound, culture, and society. This captivating work offers a unique perspective on the human experience during a tumultuous period, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of sound and emotion that characterized the cities of Europe in the closing years of the war.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 155 x 216 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783631753361
Edition number: New ed