Shhh . . . listen up. And listen down. Sidewalks are rich with
the sequesteredand often surprising sounds of the city. A droning rattle rises
from the subway beneath the streets; horns or jackhammers emerge like
percussive drums; the click and clack of heels generates a rhythmic pulse;
crosswalk signals summon us to slow down, stop or pick up the pace; pigeons
flutter and take flight like the soft trill and roll of cymbals; a passing car
radio seizes the tempo and briefly hijacks our attention. You are moving in a
polyphonic and hybridic space, one teeming with the music—and, yes, jarring
noise—of growling machines, agitated or inspired voices, and intrepid
interlopers from the organic world. A conductor-less orchestra in search of a
tune. A strange echo-system indeed.
(Photo:
near Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia)
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