Leipziger Notenspur Leipziger Notenspur Leipziger Notenspur

Acoustic Guide System

The communication of classical music is currently restricted, to a great extent, to its performance in "muse temples" and tailor-made for the concertgoer of the 50+ generation. If music is to break down these barriers itself it must find its way out of the temples and into the public, day-to-day living space of the people it is trying to reach. It would, however, be insufficient to simply provide relevant information in written form as an accompaniment to our musical discovery tour; music is best approached aurally. For this reason, our musical tradition and its interweavement with our entire culture must not be displayed purely visually: it is of paramount importance that it be made audible for all. Therefore, the Leipziger Notenspur (Leipzig Music Trail) requires not only its respective signage system for local orientation, but also an acoustic guidance system that will give visitors a musical impression relevant to their current location. The development of the Notenspur's acoustic guide system has created a fascinating juxtaposition of both musical and urban experience – the Notenspur's unique musical atmosphere. By hearing and thereby "feeling" the music of this city, users of the acoustic guide system are able to form their own, considerably more vivid impression of Leipzig's heritage than by only reading about it. Direct, personal contact with the masterpieces which the Leipziger Notenspur music route celebrates is of fundamental importance to the whole project.

The acoustic guide system will stimulate the interaction between past and present: Notenspur explorers, regardless of their level of musical education, will become "tuned in" to the Notenspur's resident composers and form individual experiences by tracing their music.

Elements incorporated into the acoustic guide system:

  • Direct contact with musical history by means of audible examples of the output of the Notenspur's former residents
  • Connection between music and people
  • Special audio scenes also for children
  • Audible demonstration of the sounds of the city throughout its history and evolution
  • Public staging of music and music installations

The acoustic guide system was developed and implemented by studio klv and buchfunk in cooperation with the Notenspur. All audio scenes and music samples of the 23 Notenspur stations can be listened to on this homepage. More about the audio guidance system in a project outline from July 2007 (in German) .