Sound Bath (Spatialisation & Studio Praxis)

For both studio praxis and spatial design, I have mostly been researching how exactly I want to use this information from class in action. One concept I keep circling back to is the practice and performance of a “sound bath”. Throughout history, sound proved to be a worthy instrument of healing, both spiritual and physical across many cultures. In the current day, sound baths are commonly performed and practiced to induce states of deep relaxation and meditation. This being the foundation for my proposal, I aim to perform a sound bath in a surround-sound multi-channel setting. From this, I have researched various methodologies of sonic healing throughout history. One specific method I believe I can utilize, theorized by Benedictine monk and music theorist, Guido D’Arezzo, is the Solfeggio scales. Traced back to Biblical times, the Solfeggio scales use a diverse array of frequencies to target both physical and spiritual purposes. (Example: 417 Hz removes negativity from the body and the home, 741 Hz purges toxins from the body, etc.) From this, using recordings, synths, and other sounds produced through some of these frequencies, I aim to create a surround-sound performance based on these ancient methodologies in a multi-channel, surround sound perspective. Using six to eight amplifiers, I have a vision of throwing frequencies and ambient around the room with a specific purpose and perspective for healing. With this, painting a “map” (a.k.a graphic score) of how I want the sound to move around the room amp to amp would be something I want to push alongside this performance. I’ve been consistently going back to the Augsberg Book of Miracles, an illustration book of visions collected by German artist, Hans Burgkmair, dated back to around 1557. My next step would be to create a stronger concept behind the performance to begin creating the sonic pallets. I will be able to use the lessons from studio praxis to assist in my sound production and book out the performance lab to help begin the spatial design. I believe I can use the Ableton Push 2 in the performance to trigger and manipulate the sound (???) but I also need to look into more the technicals behind all this. Though it is early,  I still have questions I need to answer moving forward with this project. Why exactly am I using these specific methods and putting them through my perspective? What frequencies do I wish to utilize? How will I create these specific frequencies for my pallet?

(there are still some whims to work out, but this is pitch one)  

BIBLIOTEKA RECORDS. (2021). The Solfeggio Frequencies. [online] Available at: https://www.biblioteka.world/our-blog/2020/9/27/the-solfeggio-frequencies [Accessed 28 Oct. 2021].

Meditative Mind. (2017). Benefits of Music based on 7 Solfeggio Frequencies. [online] Available at: https://meditativemind.org/benefits-of-music-based-on-7-solfeggio-frequencies/.

Bizraelli, C. (2021). A Sonic Approach to Participatory Action | norient.com. [online] norient.com. Available at: https://norient.com/constanza-bizraelli/sonic-approach-participatory-action [Accessed 7 Oct. 2021].

Magnetic Minds (2015). Ancient Solfeggio Scale – All 9 Solfeggio Frequencies – Theta Binaural Beats – Meditation Music. [online] www.youtube.com. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VatlLPsb_b8 [Accessed 31 Oct. 2021].

Baur, A. and KögelH. (1970). Die Wunder Jesu. Von der Exegese zur Katechese. Donauwörth, Auer.