R. Murray Schafer Quotes

Composer
Canada
1933

R. Murray Schafer is a Canadian composer, writer, and environmentalist known for his pioneering work in acoustic ecology and his contributions to the field of music education. He is best known for his book “The Tuning of the World” and his composition “The Patria Cycle.” Schafer has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Order of Canada and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award. He continues to be a leading figure in the study of sound and its impact on the environment, and his work has influenced artists and scholars around the world.Read Less

3 Top R. Murray Schafer Quotes

Still the noise in the mind: that is the first task – then everything else will follow in time. Feraz Zeid, December 14, 2023, R. Murray Schafer, Mental health, Mindfulness, Take Care Of Yourself, 0

- R. Murray Schafer

Composer

· Canada

When you listen carefully to the soundscape it becomes quite miraculous. Feraz Zeid, December 14, 2023, R. Murray Schafer, Listening, Miraculous, 0

- R. Murray Schafer

Composer

· Canada

We cannot close our ears; we have no ear lids! Feraz Zeid, July 9, 2023, R. Murray Schafer, Ears, 0

- R. Murray Schafer

Composer

· Canada

Ears

R. Murray Schafer Career Highlights

R. Murray Schafer is a Canadian composer, writer, and environmentalist who is best known for his contributions to the field of acoustic ecology. He has had a long and illustrious career, spanning over six decades, and has made significant contributions to the world of music and sound.Born in Sarnia, Ontario in 1933, Schafer showed an early interest in music and began composing at a young age. He studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and later went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Toronto. He then pursued further studies in Europe, studying with renowned composers such as Pierre Boulez and Karlheinz Stockhausen.Schafer’s career as a composer took off in the 1960s when he began experimenting with new forms of music, incorporating elements of environmental sounds and found objects into his compositions. He also became interested in the concept of acoustic ecology, which explores the relationship between humans and their sonic environment.

Key Contributions by R. Murray Schafer

One of Schafer’s most significant contributions to the field of music is his development of the concept of “soundscape.” He coined this term in the 1970s to describe the acoustic environment in which we live. He believed that the sounds around us have a profound impact on our well-being and that we should pay more attention to them.Schafer also founded the World Soundscape Project in 1969, which aimed to document and preserve the world’s disappearing soundscapes. This project led to the creation of the World Soundscape Project Archive, which contains over 5,000 recordings of natural and human-made sounds from around the world.

What Sets R. Murray Schafer Apart

What sets R. Murray Schafer apart is his unique approach to music and sound. He has challenged traditional notions of music and has pushed the boundaries of what is considered “musical.” His work has also brought attention to the importance of preserving our sonic environment and has inspired others to do the same.Schafer’s work has also had a significant impact on the field of acoustic ecology, which has grown in popularity and importance in recent years. He has been a pioneer in this field and has influenced many other composers and artists to explore the relationship between sound and the environment.

Takeaways

R. Murray Schafer’s career highlights and key contributions have solidified his place as a renowned and influential figure in the world of music and sound. His work continues to inspire and challenge others, and his contributions to the field of acoustic ecology have had a lasting impact. Schafer’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the way we think about and interact with sound for years to come.

Other People