Feel the Harmony
BETTER SOUND 2018 | Category: Soundscapes and Ambient Sound
Entrant
Sixième Son
Abstract
The Philharmonie is a cultural centre that brings music awareness and learning to a diverse public. It is the first audio identity created for such an institution. The musical signature is a mix of organic sound recordings and improvised instruments. It was inspired by both the majestic architecture of the space and its cultural vocation.
Project description
With its numerous rehearsal spaces, resident ensembles and innovative artistic missions, the Philharmonie de Paris is a cultural centre that is truly unique in the world, heightening music awareness and learning to a diverse public.
It is the first time that such an institution has created an audio identity. Sixieme Son was inspired by both the majestic architecture of the physical space and its cultural vocation to create a unique musical atmosphere that brings life to the building. Not only is music created by the performers, it is as if the space naturally resonates sound and hums with its own energy, adding to the magic and mystery of the spectator’s journey.
The concept alludes to the experience in the physical space: the discovery and sharing of varied cultural works played by artists who meet behind the scenes, tune their instruments and then perform. To create the musical signature, Sixieme Son translated it into a mix of proprietary sounds and textures, composed of three parts:
- The orchestra tuning that precedes all concerts: an orchestra tuning is what signals the start to any kind of musical performance. The Philharmonie de Paris provides a state-of-the-art facility to national and international symphonic orchestras, who needed a space in Paris, equivalent to the large, modern concert halls in other international capitals. The orchestra tuning also alerts the backstage crew that the show is starting and to prepare to put on a great show.
- Burst of applause: the Philharmonie is dedicated to welcoming people and providing enjoyable music. Applause is not only a part of the show, but a part of the building. The Philharmonie de Paris wants to reimagine the concert experience, placing it at the core of a welcoming facility that fosters all forms of music appreciation through education and recreation. The diversity and the warmth of the space needs to be at the core of the audio identity.
- Flight of birds: there are 360,000 aluminium birds that decorate the building, one aspect that has made the building emblematic. Located in an up-and-coming eastern Parisian neighbourhood, it is a bridge between the capital and its surroundings and aims to be a gathering place for all. The flight of the birds emphasizes both the architecture and the idea that going to the Philharmonie is an invitation to take part in a multicultural journey.
The mix of organic sounds and improvised instruments creates a musical syntax that lends itself to messages for the young and old. The sound is an audible reminder to the public of where they are. At the end, it inspires the imagination and enriches the experience of 1.2 million annual visitors. As a final touch, Philharmonie collaborators had the opportunity to audition and be cast as the voiceovers used in the halls and corridors. Children’s voices are also used for youth events.
Project video