Cities And Memory

Inside the spice market a seller offers a variety of spices, flavorants and perfumes. UNESCO listing: Stone Town, Zanzibar Recorded by Marg Laing. ——————— 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

"Composed over several weeks using the entire recording used in sections takes the lively street and voices as introduction numerous sounds sampled and were sculptured using audio software and Eurorack hardware itself becomes a rhapsody dedicated to sound recordists and artists everywhere. "This beautiful momentary field recording of Valldemossa, Mallorca Spain inspired our composition and encourages us to close eyes and to appreciate the full and acoustic atmosphere of sounds natural, social and cultural - what a brilliant idea this Sonic Heritage project is." Evening in Valldemossa reimagined by Arvik Torrenssen. ——————— 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

"Multiple tracks were played on a keyboard, arranged and combined with the audio field recording using midi workstation computer software. "The sound for this piece is a recording of a stream running under the snow with the sounds of running water, the popping of ice melting and pebbles bumping and clacking as they are rolled by the water. I live in California now but as a child I lived for a time in the northeastern United States where cold, snowy winters were the norm. As the snow melted I could hear water moving under the hard crust. The recording from the High Coast region of Sweden reminded me of that magical wintery memory. Melt water slowly begins to move beneath the glistening surface and gently forms channels through the snow, trickling downhill. Eventually the water makes its way into an established stream bed, carving a tunnel through the snow and ice while above, the snow still hides the movement beneath, reminiscent of the creatures of Nordic mythology who inhabit caverns and rivers. The stream

"The field recording I chose was rich with historical resonance, immediately reminding me of another sacred route in Japan—Kumano Kodo, an ancient pilgrimage trail deeply connected to spiritual tradition. This parallel between Camino de Santiago in Spain and Kumano Kodo in Japan felt natural, as both sites are UNESCO-designated partners in preserving cultural and historical heritage. "Fortunately, I had my own field recordings from Kumano and Koyasan temple, and as I listened, I was struck by how seamlessly the Buddhist chant and the Spanish gaida (bagpipe) intertwined. Their tonal qualities resonated in a way that evoked a shared sense of devotion, despite being from different corners of the world. "Rather than stopping at this musical dialogue, I wanted to create something immersive — an experience akin to walking along these sacred paths. To achieve this, I incorporated poetry from ancient Japan, reciting verses that reflect themes of journey, reflection, and spiritual connection. By layering these eleme

A short recording with an hydrophone. A stream running under the snow, popping sounds of ice melting and pebbles. UNESCO listing: High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago Recorded by Shachaf Polakow. ——————— 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

It's 9pm in the village of Valldemossa in the Serra Tramuntana, and we hear the bells chime the hour from a clock tower with an interesting mechanical clockwork sound that's clearly audible on a quiet night like this. Following the chimes, we walk around the church, to hear the sounds of restaurants doing a brisk evening trade.  UNESCO listing: Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana Recorded by Cities and Memory. ——————— 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

At the core of Santiago de Compostela, Praza das Praterías (Plaza de las Platerías) pulses with the sounds that embody its spiritual and cultural spirit. The resonant toll of bells from the nearby cathedral forms a solemn call, echoing across the plaza as pilgrims gather, their conversations blending into the hum of the crowd. Galician bagpipes provide a distinct, melodic layer to the atmosphere, their notes weaving through the lively surroundings and grounding the scene in regional tradition. The recording reflects the steady tread of pilgrims, their steps echoing the weight of their long journey, each footfall infused with respect and expectation. This unique blend of sounds conveys the profound significance of this space: a meeting point of faith, history, and human connection. Listening to it, you can sense the rhythm of a place where centuries of devotion and celebration continue to resonate. UNESCO listing: Santiago de Compostela (Old Town) Recorded by Serge Bulat. ——————— This sound is part of th

"The sound of waves and voices intertwine in an endless field, creating an immersive experience that echoes through the depths of the Neva River. Field recordings were processed through a resonator to expand space and enhance sub-bass frequencies. "A tape-recorded and processed recitation of the poem Requiem by Anna Akhmatova adds lyrical meaning to the composition. The Peter and Paul Fortress is not merely a tourist attraction with museums and an 18th-century architectural ensemble but also a place of memory and mourning. Once the main political prison of the Russian Empire, it held figures such as Bakunin, Dostoyevsky, Kropotkin, the Decembrists, and many other philosophers, revolutionaries, and intellectuals. "Understanding the cultural and historical context of the places we visit is essential. The sound of waves hitting the granite embankment has echoed for over 300 years—these frequencies carry deep significance, preserving the past that is worth recognizing and remembering." Peter and Paul Fortress,

"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 Entranc

"This piece was made from a field recording of African Fish Eagles in duet at Djoudj Bird Sanctuary in Senegal. The recording has been processed through software to manipulate its pitch and other characteristics, in order to unearth mutations in timbre of the birdsong and create a chorus of ersatz birdsong. What interested me about working with this sound is the questions it raises about the nature of documentation and preservation; whilst serving its primary function as documentation of a type of bird, it is also the documentation of specific birds at a particular time and place. How many recordings are necessary to document animals in a way that expresses differences among individuals?" African fish eagles in Senegal reimagined by Kiran Arora. IMAGE: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons ——————— 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 who

"In recent years, I've developed a field recording based practice of reworking and remixing sounds using small portable speakers, using binaural headphones in combination with a stereo pair to record my hybrid performance-installation. I happened to be in Madrid shortly after choosing my sound, and so I reworked the original field recording of monk parakeets in Madrid's Retiro Park in situ, my looped and processed bird calls attracting curious birds who add to the din. This live recording forms the base of my composition, which is further embellished by additional loops, tape processing, and drones." Parakeets in Madrid reimagined by Joseph Sannicandro. ——————— 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

Living in Edinburgh, I often forget that I see a UNESCO Heritage site every morning rising above the River Forth. I catch a train across the Forth Road Bridge to Fyfe, drive past it through South Queensferry or simply see it in the distance as I walk the dog in Portobello. I remember the first time I saw it I was in absolute awe of the huge iconic structure, wondering how on earth was it built.  When I walk under it, I find the sounds otherworldly. A sense of a strange noise building in the distance as the sound of the train travels along long the 2.5 km bridge. I sometimes find myself looking at the sky because my ears are tricked into believing they are hearing an aeroplane rather than a train. This recording captures the sounds of trains crossing the Forth Road Bridge as I sat at the bottom of one of the great pillars with my recorder.  UNESCO listing: The Forth Bridge Recorded by Simon Holmes ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sig

Madrid has the greatest population of Monk Parakeets in Europe, many of whom can be seen and heard in the El Retiro park. This park was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023 and includes the tree-lined Paseo del Prado avenue as well as the 120-hectare Jardines del Buen Retiro (Garden of Pleasant Retreat), a remnant of the 17th-century Buen Retiro Palace. In this recording we hear a group of Monk Parakeets calling from their next high up in a tree, whilst locals and tourists pass near by.  UNESCO listing: Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences Recorded by Colin Hunter. ——————— 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

"Tortillas are the food base of rural Mexico, made by female hands in a completely sensory ritual: sound, smell, taste, sight and taste. The sound of the palms shaping the dough is very characteristic of the rural regions of Mexico, a beat that has been heard for hundreds of years and that unfortunately is disappearing. "For the composition, we isolated the sound of tortilla-making and one part was reduced to 500%, and another to 800%, which allows us to reduce their frequency and distinguish textures that at normal speed are imperceptible. These samples were then processed with virtual synthesis using VCV Rack." Mexican tortilla making reimagined by Colectivo La Pesera. ——————— 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

"The rhythm of cicadas on the backdrop of electronic music has a very tight connection in Japan. That's why I chose this sound and used the cicada sounds as a fun rhythmical element."  Cicadas in Derbent reimagined by Bob Rogue. ——————— 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

"Thinking of how tourism is now a major industry for Madeira I started with the now, the field recording submitted to the Sonic Heritage project. Already rhythmic in the sound of the footsteps I looped parts of this, and brought it back in at the end. I really liked the image the recording brought up of walking the narrow Levada (waterways) and the muffled greetings and people saying 'sorry' and 'your welcome' as they squeeze past each other. The World Heritage Site is promoted today for its wildlife, tranquillity and calm, so I also closed the loop with brought in birdsong recorded in the Laurisilva (the World Heritage Site in which the field recording was made) "In the past however, for all the lush and ancient forest, this was essentially part of an industrial landscape, with the Levadas (waterways) carved and built through the rock to facilitate the sugar industry that was developed from the mid 15th century onwards. This industry was also the model for the plantation slavery across the Caribbean, Brazil

This recording captures my experience walking along a "levada," a traditional water channel originally built to transport water from the north of the island. These networks of aqueducts stretch across many kilometres and are accompanied by narrow walking paths, open to the public and popular among tourists. In the recording, you can hear a unique aspect of these trails: the interactions with fellow walkers. Since the paths are often very narrow, it's common to pause and allow people coming from the opposite direction to pass. These brief stops create moments of spontaneous interaction—exchanges of greetings, expressions of gratitude, and sometimes even light conversation. They also offer a chance to pause and appreciate the surroundings. The levada runs through a high-altitude area characterised by lush greenery, dense forests, and an incredibly tranquil atmosphere. The soundscape is dominated by the melodies of birds, wind, and the soothing presence of water—whether gently flowing through the channels or r

While on an excursion to the citadel, you can hear the sound space that is now the main one for this place. The centuries-old history has transformed not only the stone and architecture, but also the sound that once filled this place. UNESCO listing: Citadel, Ancient City and Fortress Buildings of Derbent Recorded by Pavel Lopatin. ——————— 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

This soundscape from Kraków’s Old Town reveals the heartbeat of a city steeped in history and animated by modern energy. Formerly Poland’s royal capital, this UNESCO World Heritage site continues to captivate with its medieval streets and enduring charm. Echoes of tradition weave seamlessly with the rhythm of everyday life: ancient clock towers toll above the hum of trams, mingling with the soft shuffle of cars and the lively chatter of travelers and locals passing through narrow streets. Voices carry through the air, layering over footsteps and faint bursts of activity that make the square a hub of movement and connection. Kraków’s Old Town is more than a preserved relic; it’s a dynamic space where stories unfold within its timeless architecture. This recording offers a glimpse into its living narrative - a harmony of sounds both historic and immediate, embodying the spirit of a city that celebrates its legacy while moving ever forward. UNESCO listing: Historic Centre of Kraków Recorded by Serge Bulat.

Traditional home made tortillas process. Stereo 48kHz 24bit. UNESCO listing: Traditional Mexican cuisine - ancestral, ongoing community culture, the Michoacán paradigm Recorded by Erick Ruiz Arellano. ——————— 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