Songs of the Caves: acoustics and prehistoric art in Cantabrian caves
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Huddersfield
Department Name: Sch of Music Humanities & Media
Abstract
This project will explore the acoustics of prehistoric painted caves in Northern Spain, to establish whether a secure relationship can be established between the positioning of painted motifs and sonic effects within the caves. Sound has the potential in many fields of archaeology to provide information that is not available by studying visual or material properties. This project is of particular interest since the documented presence of rock art and the acoustic characteristics of the spaces in which the paintings were made, provide two sets of quantifiable data that can be compared and whose relationships can be analysed.
Reznikoff and Dauvois (1988) have suggested a specific link between the positioning of cave paintings in southwest France and the patterning of acoustic resonances, reverberation and echoes. However the methodology used was not based on rigorous acoustical analysis, but was somewhat subjective, researchers using their voices to search for vocal effects. The present project would be the first attempt to test their theory using a rigorous scientific methodology. The project will involve travel to the UNESCO world heritage site "Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain", where a group of caves includes the oldest dated cave painting in the world, recently identified as 41,000 years old.
A preliminary investigation carried out by members of the team in the summer of 2012 involved visits to a number of the caves, the taking of exploratory measurements, and trialling of different methodologies. Sites included Tito Bustillo, Monte Castillo, Pasiega, Chimneas, and the recently discovered La Garma. This work made clear that the acoustic effects are as impressive as the cave paintings. There were tantalizing spatial connections between images and sounds, but a frustrating lack of time or funding prevented their full investigation. Practical issues have subsequently been explored and relationships developed between British and Spanish researchers which now make possible a more thorough exploration of these phenomena.
The project will systematically map the acoustics of the caves, recording impulse responses that can later be analysed to produce a range of acoustic information. This will then be compared with the already mapped positions of rock art. This is a cross-disciplinary project in which the new research lies in the combination of scientific, archaeological and musical methodologies, rather than in advances in any one of these fields. The project is Arts and Humanities-led, using state of the art acoustic technologies to make discoveries about music, sound, archaeology, heritage and prehistoric culture. The project will also provide a case study to illustrate the quality and significance of the results that can be achieved by such research.
The project was born as a direct result of networking established through the "Acoustics and Music of British Prehistory Science and Heritage Research Cluster" (2009), which established base-line methodologies and research questions for fieldwork of this kind. The current project intends to apply these methodologies within a specific archaeological context of high potential.
Acoustic effects in the caves will be assessed quantitatively using statistical software to establish whether there are significant links between positions of cave art and acoustic effects. The project will also involve the recording of performances in the caves on experimental archaeological reproductions of musical instruments from the relevant prehistoric period, in order to explore the acoustics of the space in qualitative terms. It will also involve photographic survey and high quality digital video footage to provide high impact dissemination. Musical composition will use recordings and impulse responses, and be integrated with visual materials to create immersive multimedia artworks that can provide phenomenological experiences of spaces that are sonically rich.
Reznikoff and Dauvois (1988) have suggested a specific link between the positioning of cave paintings in southwest France and the patterning of acoustic resonances, reverberation and echoes. However the methodology used was not based on rigorous acoustical analysis, but was somewhat subjective, researchers using their voices to search for vocal effects. The present project would be the first attempt to test their theory using a rigorous scientific methodology. The project will involve travel to the UNESCO world heritage site "Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain", where a group of caves includes the oldest dated cave painting in the world, recently identified as 41,000 years old.
A preliminary investigation carried out by members of the team in the summer of 2012 involved visits to a number of the caves, the taking of exploratory measurements, and trialling of different methodologies. Sites included Tito Bustillo, Monte Castillo, Pasiega, Chimneas, and the recently discovered La Garma. This work made clear that the acoustic effects are as impressive as the cave paintings. There were tantalizing spatial connections between images and sounds, but a frustrating lack of time or funding prevented their full investigation. Practical issues have subsequently been explored and relationships developed between British and Spanish researchers which now make possible a more thorough exploration of these phenomena.
The project will systematically map the acoustics of the caves, recording impulse responses that can later be analysed to produce a range of acoustic information. This will then be compared with the already mapped positions of rock art. This is a cross-disciplinary project in which the new research lies in the combination of scientific, archaeological and musical methodologies, rather than in advances in any one of these fields. The project is Arts and Humanities-led, using state of the art acoustic technologies to make discoveries about music, sound, archaeology, heritage and prehistoric culture. The project will also provide a case study to illustrate the quality and significance of the results that can be achieved by such research.
The project was born as a direct result of networking established through the "Acoustics and Music of British Prehistory Science and Heritage Research Cluster" (2009), which established base-line methodologies and research questions for fieldwork of this kind. The current project intends to apply these methodologies within a specific archaeological context of high potential.
Acoustic effects in the caves will be assessed quantitatively using statistical software to establish whether there are significant links between positions of cave art and acoustic effects. The project will also involve the recording of performances in the caves on experimental archaeological reproductions of musical instruments from the relevant prehistoric period, in order to explore the acoustics of the space in qualitative terms. It will also involve photographic survey and high quality digital video footage to provide high impact dissemination. Musical composition will use recordings and impulse responses, and be integrated with visual materials to create immersive multimedia artworks that can provide phenomenological experiences of spaces that are sonically rich.
Planned Impact
Information about the project will be posted on websites and blogs, including the AMBP research cluster webpage, which has had c.10,000 views. Till hosts this site, and will also be able to circulate results through his own youtube site, which has had over 235,000 views. Till's previous research in this field has been disseminated by the BBC, History Channel, Discovery Channel, New Scientist, Times, MSNBC, ABC, National Geographic, national and international press, and over 25,000 websites internationally. The project will have available the marketing resources of a number of universities, and the research will be widely disseminated to the general public, as well as to research communities.
The research has the potential to change our understanding of prehistoric human culture. It has the potential to change the way we think about archaeology, and the significance of sound at archaeological sites. The evidence it provides will oblige Cultural Heritage Managers to consider the acoustic ecology of sites when dealing with issues of preservation in future. Most significantly it has the potential to provide more information about prehistoric ritual activities, to give voice to silent archaeology. It has the potential to enhance multi-sensory archaeology, and provide a new methodology for finding new information about well-studied world heritage sites. The research will have impact on museum curation and cultural heritage management, providing an illustration of the potential for sound to enhance the presentation of heritage. It will provide a methodology for generating scientifically accurate results that can inform the creation of audio material that can be used in heritage displays.
Digital video materials will be produced within the project, which will be widely disseminated, and made freely available to the public via youtube and vimeo, as well as through film festivals and competitions. They will benefit the general public, as many of the caves involved are not open to the public. This has the potential to change the way the public thing about prehistory. The project will illustrate what it may have been like to hear music or take part in rituals in these caves in prehistory.
The project has the potential to enhance UK and European approaches to heritage, to make them more sonically rich, and thus increase their levels of engagement, producing an acoustically engaging overall effect.
Researchers directly involved will learn more of the other fields involved in the project, and gain experience of working in a cross-disciplinary project.
There will be specific impact for the Cantabrian Regional Government. Roberto Ontañón Peredo, Director of the Prehistoric Caves of Cantabria (and with overall responsibility for archaeology within this part of the world heritage site) will be participating in the project, and took part in the earlier pilot exploration. This study has implications for the interpretation, presentation, conservation and management of this world heritage site. For example there is a rock lithophone (a section of stalagmites which ring when struck) in one of the caves that was thought to stretch 5 metres, however we found that many stalagmites in a further 20m radius are also lithophones, the feature is far more significant than was thought.
This feature will need to be investigated fully, recorded, measured and assessed. This and other project discoveries will have implications for presentations on websites and other promotional materials, for tours, for documentation for tourists, and for the way that such caves are explored. Such a major feature in a world heritage site has been undiscovered because of a lack of an ear for such possibilities. How one protects such features, while still presenting them, has implications for this site and for many others potentially, where sonic effects remain unexplored.
The research has the potential to change our understanding of prehistoric human culture. It has the potential to change the way we think about archaeology, and the significance of sound at archaeological sites. The evidence it provides will oblige Cultural Heritage Managers to consider the acoustic ecology of sites when dealing with issues of preservation in future. Most significantly it has the potential to provide more information about prehistoric ritual activities, to give voice to silent archaeology. It has the potential to enhance multi-sensory archaeology, and provide a new methodology for finding new information about well-studied world heritage sites. The research will have impact on museum curation and cultural heritage management, providing an illustration of the potential for sound to enhance the presentation of heritage. It will provide a methodology for generating scientifically accurate results that can inform the creation of audio material that can be used in heritage displays.
Digital video materials will be produced within the project, which will be widely disseminated, and made freely available to the public via youtube and vimeo, as well as through film festivals and competitions. They will benefit the general public, as many of the caves involved are not open to the public. This has the potential to change the way the public thing about prehistory. The project will illustrate what it may have been like to hear music or take part in rituals in these caves in prehistory.
The project has the potential to enhance UK and European approaches to heritage, to make them more sonically rich, and thus increase their levels of engagement, producing an acoustically engaging overall effect.
Researchers directly involved will learn more of the other fields involved in the project, and gain experience of working in a cross-disciplinary project.
There will be specific impact for the Cantabrian Regional Government. Roberto Ontañón Peredo, Director of the Prehistoric Caves of Cantabria (and with overall responsibility for archaeology within this part of the world heritage site) will be participating in the project, and took part in the earlier pilot exploration. This study has implications for the interpretation, presentation, conservation and management of this world heritage site. For example there is a rock lithophone (a section of stalagmites which ring when struck) in one of the caves that was thought to stretch 5 metres, however we found that many stalagmites in a further 20m radius are also lithophones, the feature is far more significant than was thought.
This feature will need to be investigated fully, recorded, measured and assessed. This and other project discoveries will have implications for presentations on websites and other promotional materials, for tours, for documentation for tourists, and for the way that such caves are explored. Such a major feature in a world heritage site has been undiscovered because of a lack of an ear for such possibilities. How one protects such features, while still presenting them, has implications for this site and for many others potentially, where sonic effects remain unexplored.
Organisations
- University of Huddersfield (Lead Research Organisation)
- University of Valladolid (Collaboration)
- Music in the South (Collaboration)
- ROYAL CONSERVATOIRE OF SCOTLAND (Collaboration)
- Tuscia University (Collaboration)
- Municipality of Tarquinia (Collaboration)
- German Archaeological Institute (Collaboration)
- Austrian Academy of Sciences (Collaboration)
- Lazio Region (Collaboration)
Publications
Fazenda B
(2017)
Cave acoustics in prehistory: Exploring the association of Palaeolithic visual motifs and acoustic response
in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
Till R
(2014)
Sound archaeology: terminology, Palaeolithic cave art and the soundscape
in World Archaeology
Till R
(2016)
Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition.
Title | EMAP Soundgate App |
Description | This is a set of apps created as a part of another project, but featuring digital visualisations and auralisations of the caves featured in Songs of the Caves |
Type Of Art | Artefact (including digital) |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Impact | BBC TV and Radio coverage, Reuters syndicated report. |
URL | http://www.emaproject.eu/content/soundgate-app.html |
Title | Songs of the Caves |
Description | This is a film following a team of researchers exploring sound and acoustics in caves in northern Spain that feature Palaeolithic visual motifs. The film provides both a documentary account of the project, as well as a phenological, embodied, experiential approach to the spaces involved. |
Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
Year Produced | 2014 |
Impact | The film contributed to to involvement in a large EU funded project (www.emaproject.com); interviews by Nature Journal, the New Scientist Magazine; national radio in the UK (Today Programme), Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, France and Germany. |
URL | https://vimeo.com/95451937 |
Title | The Edge of Time: Palaeolithic Bone Flutes from France and Germany. |
Description | CD/Download/Streaming. 2017. The Edge of Time: Palaeolithic Bone Flutes from France and Germany. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 4. Delphian Records. Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon. Rupert Till Co-producer, Anna Friederike Potengowski - flutes, Georg Wyland Wagner - Percussion. This was an album curated, commissioned and co-produced by Rupert Till, that features bone pipes, flute like instruments or aerophones, which are replicas of Palaeolithic archaeological finds from caves. |
Type Of Art | Artefact (including digital) |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Impact | The album was reviewed by the Guardian newspaper and others, and featured on BBC Radio 3 and elsewhere. It sold over 2000 copies, and resulted in numerous streams and downloads. |
URL | http://delphianrecords.co.uk/product-group/the-edge-of-time-palaeolithic-bone-flutes-from-france-ger... |
Description | We have explored, analysed, discovered, detailed and disseminated information about the relationships between sound and images in Palaeolithic caves. We have examined the acoustic ecology of the painted caves of northern Spain, a world heritage site. We have created a number of recordings and a film that illustrate the research. |
Exploitation Route | This may act as a template for future sound archaeology projects. The use of video, music recordings and web mapping technology are innovative and may be used by future projects of a similar nature. |
Sectors | Creative Economy Culture Heritage Museums and Collections Other |
URL | http://www.songsofthecaves.wordpress.com |
Description | The research has been used within the European Music Archaeology Project, a major EU funded initiative. It has been used by Nature Journal, and radio stations in France, Switzerland and Australia. It has also been used by teachers covering prehistory within the UK national curriculum. There has been increased media interest in sound and acoustics in archaeological contexts, and as a result a more widespread level of understanding of sound and acoustics amongst the general public. |
Sector | Creative Economy,Education,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections,Other |
Impact Types | Cultural |
Description | European Music Archaeology Project |
Amount | € 1,991,899 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 536370 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 05/2013 |
End | 06/2018 |
Description | European Music Archaeology Project |
Organisation | Austrian Academy of Sciences |
Department | Institute of Ancient Cultural History |
Country | Austria |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | The University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator to co-finance the Project during its five years duration, to the amount of 139.083,00€; in addition, in order to implement the Project, the University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator and to all other Co-organisers for the following roles and tasks: - Scientific direction and management of the virtual reconstruction of ancient soundscapes; - Twenty-three travels for recording the reconstructions of ancient musical instruments; - Post-production, editing, mastering, and printing of five CDs during theProject period; - Scientific contribution to the development of the Project contents; - Creation of four digital audio-visual display installations for the exhibition; - Management of press, public relations, and advertising related to all local activity; - Organization of symposia on acoustics of ancient sites at the Huddersfield University; - Organization of three concerts in Huddersfield; - Travels to the general Project meetings; - Organization of one general Project meeting in Huddersfield; - Financial administration of all the above listed activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | Creation of travelling exhibition that is now touring Europe. Arrangement of a number of concerts. The project is focused on music archaeology, and exploring common European ancient musical heritage. |
Impact | The Edge of Time: Palaeolithic Bone Flutes from France and Germany. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 4. Delphian Records. (forthcoming 2017). (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Artistic Director and Soundtrack Composer. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Interactive Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Spellweaving: Ancient Music from the Highlands of Scotland. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 1. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Ice and Longboats: Ancient Music of Scandinavia. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 2. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Dragon Voices: The Giant Celtic Horns of Ancient Europe. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 3. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2014. Songs of the Caves, music for film, created for an AHRC/EPSRC-funded project, with film-maker Aaron Watson. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | European Music Archaeology Project |
Organisation | German Archaeological Institute |
Department | Orient Department |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | The University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator to co-finance the Project during its five years duration, to the amount of 139.083,00€; in addition, in order to implement the Project, the University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator and to all other Co-organisers for the following roles and tasks: - Scientific direction and management of the virtual reconstruction of ancient soundscapes; - Twenty-three travels for recording the reconstructions of ancient musical instruments; - Post-production, editing, mastering, and printing of five CDs during theProject period; - Scientific contribution to the development of the Project contents; - Creation of four digital audio-visual display installations for the exhibition; - Management of press, public relations, and advertising related to all local activity; - Organization of symposia on acoustics of ancient sites at the Huddersfield University; - Organization of three concerts in Huddersfield; - Travels to the general Project meetings; - Organization of one general Project meeting in Huddersfield; - Financial administration of all the above listed activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | Creation of travelling exhibition that is now touring Europe. Arrangement of a number of concerts. The project is focused on music archaeology, and exploring common European ancient musical heritage. |
Impact | The Edge of Time: Palaeolithic Bone Flutes from France and Germany. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 4. Delphian Records. (forthcoming 2017). (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Artistic Director and Soundtrack Composer. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Interactive Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Spellweaving: Ancient Music from the Highlands of Scotland. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 1. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Ice and Longboats: Ancient Music of Scandinavia. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 2. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Dragon Voices: The Giant Celtic Horns of Ancient Europe. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 3. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2014. Songs of the Caves, music for film, created for an AHRC/EPSRC-funded project, with film-maker Aaron Watson. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | European Music Archaeology Project |
Organisation | Lazio Region |
Department | Council for Culture, Sport, Youth Policy and Tourism |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | The University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator to co-finance the Project during its five years duration, to the amount of 139.083,00€; in addition, in order to implement the Project, the University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator and to all other Co-organisers for the following roles and tasks: - Scientific direction and management of the virtual reconstruction of ancient soundscapes; - Twenty-three travels for recording the reconstructions of ancient musical instruments; - Post-production, editing, mastering, and printing of five CDs during theProject period; - Scientific contribution to the development of the Project contents; - Creation of four digital audio-visual display installations for the exhibition; - Management of press, public relations, and advertising related to all local activity; - Organization of symposia on acoustics of ancient sites at the Huddersfield University; - Organization of three concerts in Huddersfield; - Travels to the general Project meetings; - Organization of one general Project meeting in Huddersfield; - Financial administration of all the above listed activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | Creation of travelling exhibition that is now touring Europe. Arrangement of a number of concerts. The project is focused on music archaeology, and exploring common European ancient musical heritage. |
Impact | The Edge of Time: Palaeolithic Bone Flutes from France and Germany. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 4. Delphian Records. (forthcoming 2017). (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Artistic Director and Soundtrack Composer. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Interactive Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Spellweaving: Ancient Music from the Highlands of Scotland. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 1. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Ice and Longboats: Ancient Music of Scandinavia. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 2. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Dragon Voices: The Giant Celtic Horns of Ancient Europe. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 3. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2014. Songs of the Caves, music for film, created for an AHRC/EPSRC-funded project, with film-maker Aaron Watson. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | European Music Archaeology Project |
Organisation | Municipality of Tarquinia |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | The University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator to co-finance the Project during its five years duration, to the amount of 139.083,00€; in addition, in order to implement the Project, the University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator and to all other Co-organisers for the following roles and tasks: - Scientific direction and management of the virtual reconstruction of ancient soundscapes; - Twenty-three travels for recording the reconstructions of ancient musical instruments; - Post-production, editing, mastering, and printing of five CDs during theProject period; - Scientific contribution to the development of the Project contents; - Creation of four digital audio-visual display installations for the exhibition; - Management of press, public relations, and advertising related to all local activity; - Organization of symposia on acoustics of ancient sites at the Huddersfield University; - Organization of three concerts in Huddersfield; - Travels to the general Project meetings; - Organization of one general Project meeting in Huddersfield; - Financial administration of all the above listed activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | Creation of travelling exhibition that is now touring Europe. Arrangement of a number of concerts. The project is focused on music archaeology, and exploring common European ancient musical heritage. |
Impact | The Edge of Time: Palaeolithic Bone Flutes from France and Germany. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 4. Delphian Records. (forthcoming 2017). (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Artistic Director and Soundtrack Composer. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Interactive Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Spellweaving: Ancient Music from the Highlands of Scotland. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 1. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Ice and Longboats: Ancient Music of Scandinavia. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 2. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Dragon Voices: The Giant Celtic Horns of Ancient Europe. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 3. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2014. Songs of the Caves, music for film, created for an AHRC/EPSRC-funded project, with film-maker Aaron Watson. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | European Music Archaeology Project |
Organisation | Music in the South |
Country | Sweden |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator to co-finance the Project during its five years duration, to the amount of 139.083,00€; in addition, in order to implement the Project, the University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator and to all other Co-organisers for the following roles and tasks: - Scientific direction and management of the virtual reconstruction of ancient soundscapes; - Twenty-three travels for recording the reconstructions of ancient musical instruments; - Post-production, editing, mastering, and printing of five CDs during theProject period; - Scientific contribution to the development of the Project contents; - Creation of four digital audio-visual display installations for the exhibition; - Management of press, public relations, and advertising related to all local activity; - Organization of symposia on acoustics of ancient sites at the Huddersfield University; - Organization of three concerts in Huddersfield; - Travels to the general Project meetings; - Organization of one general Project meeting in Huddersfield; - Financial administration of all the above listed activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | Creation of travelling exhibition that is now touring Europe. Arrangement of a number of concerts. The project is focused on music archaeology, and exploring common European ancient musical heritage. |
Impact | The Edge of Time: Palaeolithic Bone Flutes from France and Germany. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 4. Delphian Records. (forthcoming 2017). (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Artistic Director and Soundtrack Composer. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Interactive Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Spellweaving: Ancient Music from the Highlands of Scotland. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 1. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Ice and Longboats: Ancient Music of Scandinavia. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 2. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Dragon Voices: The Giant Celtic Horns of Ancient Europe. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 3. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2014. Songs of the Caves, music for film, created for an AHRC/EPSRC-funded project, with film-maker Aaron Watson. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | European Music Archaeology Project |
Organisation | Royal Conservatoire of Scotland |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator to co-finance the Project during its five years duration, to the amount of 139.083,00€; in addition, in order to implement the Project, the University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator and to all other Co-organisers for the following roles and tasks: - Scientific direction and management of the virtual reconstruction of ancient soundscapes; - Twenty-three travels for recording the reconstructions of ancient musical instruments; - Post-production, editing, mastering, and printing of five CDs during theProject period; - Scientific contribution to the development of the Project contents; - Creation of four digital audio-visual display installations for the exhibition; - Management of press, public relations, and advertising related to all local activity; - Organization of symposia on acoustics of ancient sites at the Huddersfield University; - Organization of three concerts in Huddersfield; - Travels to the general Project meetings; - Organization of one general Project meeting in Huddersfield; - Financial administration of all the above listed activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | Creation of travelling exhibition that is now touring Europe. Arrangement of a number of concerts. The project is focused on music archaeology, and exploring common European ancient musical heritage. |
Impact | The Edge of Time: Palaeolithic Bone Flutes from France and Germany. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 4. Delphian Records. (forthcoming 2017). (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Artistic Director and Soundtrack Composer. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Interactive Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Spellweaving: Ancient Music from the Highlands of Scotland. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 1. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Ice and Longboats: Ancient Music of Scandinavia. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 2. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Dragon Voices: The Giant Celtic Horns of Ancient Europe. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 3. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2014. Songs of the Caves, music for film, created for an AHRC/EPSRC-funded project, with film-maker Aaron Watson. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | European Music Archaeology Project |
Organisation | Tuscia University |
Department | Department of Cultural Heritage and Environment |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator to co-finance the Project during its five years duration, to the amount of 139.083,00€; in addition, in order to implement the Project, the University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator and to all other Co-organisers for the following roles and tasks: - Scientific direction and management of the virtual reconstruction of ancient soundscapes; - Twenty-three travels for recording the reconstructions of ancient musical instruments; - Post-production, editing, mastering, and printing of five CDs during theProject period; - Scientific contribution to the development of the Project contents; - Creation of four digital audio-visual display installations for the exhibition; - Management of press, public relations, and advertising related to all local activity; - Organization of symposia on acoustics of ancient sites at the Huddersfield University; - Organization of three concerts in Huddersfield; - Travels to the general Project meetings; - Organization of one general Project meeting in Huddersfield; - Financial administration of all the above listed activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | Creation of travelling exhibition that is now touring Europe. Arrangement of a number of concerts. The project is focused on music archaeology, and exploring common European ancient musical heritage. |
Impact | The Edge of Time: Palaeolithic Bone Flutes from France and Germany. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 4. Delphian Records. (forthcoming 2017). (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Artistic Director and Soundtrack Composer. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Interactive Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Spellweaving: Ancient Music from the Highlands of Scotland. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 1. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Ice and Longboats: Ancient Music of Scandinavia. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 2. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Dragon Voices: The Giant Celtic Horns of Ancient Europe. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 3. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2014. Songs of the Caves, music for film, created for an AHRC/EPSRC-funded project, with film-maker Aaron Watson. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | European Music Archaeology Project |
Organisation | University of Valladolid |
Country | Spain |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator to co-finance the Project during its five years duration, to the amount of 139.083,00€; in addition, in order to implement the Project, the University of Huddersfield / School of Music, Humanities and Media is committed to the Coordinator and to all other Co-organisers for the following roles and tasks: - Scientific direction and management of the virtual reconstruction of ancient soundscapes; - Twenty-three travels for recording the reconstructions of ancient musical instruments; - Post-production, editing, mastering, and printing of five CDs during theProject period; - Scientific contribution to the development of the Project contents; - Creation of four digital audio-visual display installations for the exhibition; - Management of press, public relations, and advertising related to all local activity; - Organization of symposia on acoustics of ancient sites at the Huddersfield University; - Organization of three concerts in Huddersfield; - Travels to the general Project meetings; - Organization of one general Project meeting in Huddersfield; - Financial administration of all the above listed activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | Creation of travelling exhibition that is now touring Europe. Arrangement of a number of concerts. The project is focused on music archaeology, and exploring common European ancient musical heritage. |
Impact | The Edge of Time: Palaeolithic Bone Flutes from France and Germany. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 4. Delphian Records. (forthcoming 2017). (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Artistic Director and Soundtrack Composer. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Interactive Soundgate Museum Exhibit. In Archaeomusica Exhibition. Ystad Abbey, Sweden. Tour venues include Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, China. 2016. Spellweaving: Ancient Music from the Highlands of Scotland. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 1. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Ice and Longboats: Ancient Music of Scandinavia. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 2. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2016. Dragon Voices: The Giant Celtic Horns of Ancient Europe. European Music Archaeology Project Volume 3. Delphian Records. (CD and Download). Co-producer. 2014. Songs of the Caves, music for film, created for an AHRC/EPSRC-funded project, with film-maker Aaron Watson. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | 'Blasts from the Past: Now That's What I Call Prehistoric Music'. New Scientist, 224(2995): 44-7. (2014). |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Rupert Till was approached by the New Scientist Magazine to write an article on sound archaeology |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | 'Entrancement and entrainment: techno-shamans from prehistory to Bargain' invited presentation at the CTM Festival, Berlin |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Rupert Till was invited to present at the Club Transmediale Festival in Berlin, an electronic music festival that takes place annually in the city. Iegor Reznikoff was also asked to participate, as was Paul Devereux, two experienced sound archaeology researchers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | https://soundcloud.com/ctm-festival/ctm-2015-entrancement-and-entrainment-lecture-by-rupert-till |
Description | 'In Search of Lost Sounds', Nature Journal Podcast |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Nature Journal published a podcast on Sound Archaeology that featured sound in prehistory and the research of Rupert Till in particular. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.nature.com/nature/podcast/index-audiofile-2015-05-26.html |
Description | 'Rock of Ages', interview and 5 minute radio piece, PM Show, BBC Radio 4, 14 January 2015. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The PM show became interested in sound archaeology and interviewed Rupert Till alongside others on BBC Radio 2. This primetime show attracts about 1.5 million UK listeners. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | 'Volume Without Sparks', Interview on Stonehenge research, Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio National |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | 'Volume Without Sparks', Interview on Stonehenge research, Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio National, 17.4.15. This was a broadcast on national Australian radio discussing sound archaeology and archaeoacoustics, and featuring the research of Rupert Till on the acoustics of Stonehenge and other archaeological sites. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | 1 hour radio documentary based on the acoustics of caves commissioned by German Radio Station Deutsche Radio Kultur. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Archäoakustik: Auf der Suche nach Echo, Deutsche Radio Kultur (DRK), dir. Annie Goh. Featuring Rupert Till, Anna Friederike Potengowski and Iegor Reznikoff. June 2015. Archaeoacoustics researchers Rupert Till and Igor Reznikoff travelled to Isturitz and Arcy-sur-Cure caves to carry out sound archaeology research accompanied by a recording crew from DRK. They explored sound and acoustics in the caves. Isturitz Cave was the site of a find of numerous prehistoric musical instruments, such as vulture bone flutes. A reconstruction of this flute was played and recorded in the cave, and acoustical tests were carried out using scientific instruments to explore Reznikoff's voice led approach to studying sound in such sites. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.deutschlandradiokultur.de/ursendung-klingende-fruehgeschichte-archaeoakustik.1022.de.html... |
Description | Archäoakustik: Auf der Suche nach Echo |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Archäoakustik: Auf der Suche nach Echo, Deutsche Radio Kultur 1 hour radio programme, dir. Annie Goh. Featuring Rupert Till and Iegor Reznikoff. Exploring the acoustics of caves. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.deutschlandradiokultur.de/ursendung-klingende-fruehgeschichte-archaeoakustik.1022.de.html... |
Description | Article in Nature Journal |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | This is an article on PI Rupert Till's sound archaeology work in Nature Magazine that was commissioned. A large number of enquiries and web hits came as a result of this article. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v506/n7487/full/506158a.html?WT.ec_id=NATURE-20140213 |
Description | Consultancy, Radio SRF2 Kultur, Switzerland, national radio interview and article on my research, (January 2014). |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Consultancy, Radio SRF2 Kultur, Switzerland, national radio interview and article on my research, (January 2014). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Contribution to BBC2 TV series Civilisations programme 1 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | I spoke and performed on the BBC2 TV series Civilisations on the first episode. This will be shown on PBS in the USA and later syndicated worldwide. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05xxsmp |
Description | Jean Claude Ameisen 'A la recherche des traces des musiques de la préhistoire' (radio programme featuring my research), France Inter, Radio France |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | 50,000 or more people heard this broadcast on Radio France More interest from French audiences |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.franceinter.fr/emission-sur-les-epaules-de-darwin-a-la-recherche-des-traces-des-musiques-... |
Description | Stonehenge sounds recreated using virtual technology |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interview & Dissemination on virtual modelling of archaeological sites and their acoustics. BBC Breakfast, BBC News, BBC America. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-38528833 |
Description | The Lost Sounds of Stonehenge |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interview & Dissemination. Exploring acoustics of archaeological sites and virtual modelling. BBC Radio 2, 4, 5, 6 World Service. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-38530755 |