sound objects

[/saʊnd ˈɑːbdʒɛkts/]
nounpl: sound objects
objetos sonoros
1. In music and audio art, discrete units of sound that are treated as compositional or analytical elements, often characterized by their timbral qualities rather than pitch or melody
The composer used various sound objects such as creaking doors and rainfall to create an abstract soundscape.
O compositor usou vários objetos sonoros como portas rangendo e chuva para criar uma paisagem sonora abstrata.
2. Physical or digital entities that produce, emit, or generate sound
Musical instruments are the most common sound objects in orchestral composition.
Os instrumentos musicais são os objetos sonoros mais comuns na composição orquestral.
3. In phenomenological and experimental music contexts, any entity approached primarily for its acoustic properties
Pierre Schaeffer pioneered the study of sound objects in musique concrète.
Pierre Schaeffer foi pioneiro no estudo de objetos sonoros na música concreta.
This term is primarily used in avant-garde and experimental music circles, particularly in reference to Pierre Schaeffer's musique concrète movement which emerged in France during the 1940s-50s. The concept became influential in both Brazilian and international electronic music and sound art scenes. In Brazil, this term is commonly encountered in contemporary music conservatories and in the growing field of sound design and audio art. In the USA, 'sound objects' is a key term in experimental music pedagogy and acousmatic music studies.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
sonic objectssound eventsacoustic objectstimbral elements

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
objetos sonoros
Standard term used in music theory and sound design contexts
São Paulo
objetos de som
Alternative phrasing, sometimes used in academic and artistic circles
Portugal
objectos sonoros
Uses older spelling convention; technical term in Portuguese music academia
General USA
sound objects
Primarily used in experimental music, audio art, and academic contexts

Related Words

musique concrètesoundscapetimbreaudio compositionacousmatic musicsonology

Related Idioms & Phrases

treat something as a sound object
explore the sound object
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