Being-with-ears: How Christian Benning Opened my Ears to the Soundscapes of New York City and Beyond

Abstract

This writing explores the phenomenology of everyday urban sounds, some generic, others more place specific sounds to New York, or particular places within New York with samplings from Manhattan, the Queensboro Bridge and Queens. It takes the perspective of a walker and Environmental Psychologist, a commuter on the way to work. The experience was inspired and made possible by a recital by multi-percussionist Christian Benning that introduced listeners to different sounds and music. In this writing “New York City in transformation” refers to the transformation of sounds via the experience of walking, and the transformation experienced through a newfound aesthetic and meaning to sounds as my ears had been opened: everyday sounds that previously escaped my attention, sounds that I have taken for granted, or considered as a nuisance, have transformed from noise to sound (from Krach to Klang). Being-with-ears can be a way of being more present and taking more delight by being attuned to the sounds and potential songs of one’s everyday environment.&nbsp