Dictionary Quote by Pierre Schaeffer
“Sound is the vocabulary of nature... noises are as well articulated as the words in a dictionary... Opposing the world of sound is the world of music.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Traité des objets musicaux, 1967
Sound is a natural language, and noise can be as precise as spoken words, while music stands apart as an opposing realm.
In simple terms: Sound is nature's language; music differs.
Listen to both nature and music.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- field recording
- environmental design
- music composition
- education
- therapy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does nature's sound differ from music?
- Can noise convey meaning?
Noise may lack intentional structure, limiting its communicative power.