Show notes
"I worked in Edinburgh for 13 years and was part of the team that led on the nomination bid for the Forth Bridge. The sound of The Bridge was important for me to include in the piece as I feel partly responsible for it being considered a WHS.
"The aim of the piece was to highlight the role of sound in shaping the tourist experience. The familiarity of the train crossing could evoke a sense of nostalgia or authenticity for those who have visited or even those who have never been, giving them a sensory connection to the location.
"It captures a moment in time, a fleeting sonic experience that could change over the years due to technological advances, environmental factors, or changes in infrastructure. By preserving this sound, the piece acts as a form of auditory preservation. It invites the listener to reflect on how sounds of historical or cultural significance might fade or transform over time, encouraging an appreciation for the transient nature of these sonic environments. In this way, The Soft Entrance acts as a digital archive or a tribute to the sounds that define this iconic location, protecting them from being lost to future generations.
"The sound encapsulates both the industrial heritage of the bridge and its modern-day function, reflecting how these sounds are embedded in the cultural identity of Scotland and the UK. The Soft Entrance aims to evoke feelings of connection, history, and the reverence that people hold for such places.
"Iconic landmarks like The Forth Bridge come with sonic signatures—sounds that have become inseparable from the place’s identity. In the piece, the train crossing the bridge represents not just a literal sound but an auditory symbol of the location itself. Sonic landscapes of famous places are often tied to the rituals, daily practices, and memories of those who interact with them. By using this sound, The Soft Entrance acknowledges the role of sound as a medium for both local identity and global recognition. It touches on the idea that these sounds are not just background noise but an integral part of the experience and significance of the place. The piece suggests that sound is essential to the collective memory and cultural practices tied to renowned landmarks like The Forth Bridge.
"In essence, The Soft Entrance can be seen as a sonic meditation on the ways sound shapes our understanding of places of cultural significance, preserving them for future generations and connecting listeners to the tangible and intangible histories these places represent. It’s a reminder of how sound is a key part of our heritage and how it can deepen our connection to the places and practices that have shaped history.
"By choosing not to modify or manipulate the sound I maintained the authenticity of the field recording. The sound of the train crossing The Forth Bridge is an unaltered representation of the actual sonic landscape of that location. The aim was to highlight the importance of capturing and archiving the authentic sonic environment. This decision underscores the idea that these sounds, in their natural form, hold cultural, historical, and emotional value.
"The train crossing the Forth Bridge is not just a noise; it’s a powerful symbol of engineering, history, and human interaction with the environment.
"In essence, the decision not to alter the sound in The Soft Entrance reinforces the themes of preservation, authenticity, and the natural sonic heritage of the place. It allows the raw sound to speak for itself, creating an experience that emphasizes the intrinsic value of the place and its sounds without interference.
"The decision not to modify or manipulate the sound in The Soft Entrance becomes even more poignant when considered alongside my personal connection to the Forth Bridge. As part of the team that helped secure the Forth Bridge's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the bridge has taken on a deep, multifaceted significance for me. This involvement made me acutely aware of the cultural, historical, and sonic heritage tied to this iconic structure.
"This piece, through its raw sound, is my way of honoring the Forth Bridge's heritage—both as an enduring symbol of engineering and as a key part of Scotland’s cultural fabric. It invites listeners to reflect on the bridge’s significance and, by extension, the broader conversation about the preservation of sound as part of the world's shared cultural legacy."
Forth Bridge trains reimagined by glacis.
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This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights.
Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage