Commemorating the harmonious echoes of time in a morning bird song concert
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During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, people worldwide found solace in unconventional ways. One such individual was acoustic ecologist and sound artist, Alex Braidwood. Braidwood, known for his work capturing and transforming natural sounds, took to the digital realm to conduct a weekly online Sunday mass, an experience he named a "baptism in sound."
The mass was accompanied by music from Braidwood's album, "Serotinous Repose," which uses the dawn chorus—the early morning symphony of bird songs—as its foundation. This album is a unique blend of nature sounds and music, a representation of Braidwood's work in capturing and transforming the natural world.
"Serotinous Repose" likely continues Braidwood's theme of integrating natural soundscapes into spiritual or contemplative music contexts. The term "serotinous" refers to delayed seed release triggered by environmental conditions (like fire), metaphorically expressing themes of waiting, renewal, and repose. The album probably blends field recordings of natural phenomena with ambient or contemplative music, emphasising patience, renewal, and reflection—concepts deeply resonant during and after COVID-19 lockdowns.
Braidwood's dawn chorus recordings feature a variety of bird species, some captured in his Iowa backyard and others from various locations worldwide. These recordings evoke renewal, hope, and the natural rhythm of life, symbolising a connection to nature and a form of meditative calm amidst social isolation.
"Serotinous Repose" offers a peaceful and immersive listening experience, providing a much-needed respite during challenging times. For those interested in learning more about Braidwood's work, his official website, music platforms, or interviews are excellent resources.
The music from Alex Braidwood's album, "Serotinous Repose," blends with the theme of the mass, offering an entertaining yet spiritual experience that combines nature sounds and music. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, this kind of entertainment served as a form of solace for many, with Braidwood's dawn chorus recordings providing a meditative connection to nature.
