Ringing the Changes

An Investigation into Sounds and Power

Prior, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8750-445X (2017) Ringing the Changes. In: Soundscapes and Sound Identities. Soundscapes . Galaad Edizioni, Teramo, Italy, pp. 203-219. ISBN 9788898722501

Abstract / Summary

Bells have a unique status among human-made sounding objects. Not only are they one of our earliest classes of instrument but their use and influence crosses almost all cultures and in many, the bell remains a significant, enduring sonic icon in both civic and religious life today. The public bell evolved to perform a variety of functions; as timekeeper, tocsin, call to prayer and later, the performance of change ringing and music. With their power to evoke reminiscence and to impart a feeling of the passing of time, bells have had a central role in the formation and solidification of identity of both individuals and communities.

This paper will survey an on-going project undertaken by liminal (Frances Crow and David Prior), which they began in 2013, evolving into four distinct pieces of work —with more in progress— spanning film, performance and installation. In each of these pieces bells are used as an acoustic lens through which to listen to, and think about the relationship between sound and territory and the way in which authority is expressed in the interface between the two.

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