Assignment 2 Zheng Yunrui
Sound Map Fieldwork Assignment
Zheng Yunrui
As a newcomer to Hong Kong, I set the theme of my sound map as the sounds in Hong Kong that, from my perspective, have special meaning as well as being relatively novel to me. During this period of searching for my ideal sounds, I went to the beach, streets and alleys, paradise, parks, etc., using a Sony recorder as the main tool and an iPhone as a secondary recording tool, so as to capture the sounds that have the most cultural characteristics of Hong Kong in my mind.
No. 1 CHUNGKING MANSION
Equipment: Sony PCM-D50
The first time I heard of Chungking Mansion was when I saw Wong Kar Wai's film Chungking Express, in which the small space, the stratum of people with various skin tones, and the shaky documentary shots have always left me with a strong impact. I have the impression that Chungking Mansion is an adventure playground full of dangers, yet full of temptations and excitement. But even so, Lonely Planet, the travel bible for backpackers, listed Chungking Mansion as the top place for backpackers to stay and eat. Moreover, Chungking Mansion has been selected by Time as "Asia's best example of global integration", and it is considered to be the landmark that best reflects Hong Kong's multicultural character.
Accordingly, Chungking Mansion always baffles me, is it a hell or a heaven? With curiosity and nervousness, I chose it as my first destination to explore the sounds inside this mysterious building. After being in this building, as I expected, this is a large gathering place for many ethnic minorities. In the restaurant, clothing shops and grocery stores, they were playing songs in Indian, African or other kinds of languages that I could not understand in a large volume.
No.2 Wong Tai Sin Temple
Equipment: Sony PCM-D50
I heard about Wong Tai Sin a long time ago, which is the most popular temple among HK people and visitors, but never had a chance to visit. This time I came here and recorded kinds of sounds that is unique.
First of all, I recorded the programmed music of Wong Tai Sin and the sound of birds chirping, thanks to the beautiful environment and lush vegetation. Secondly, I also recorded the sound of people shaking the stick barrel when they prayed and seeking for guidance from Gods. This was the first time I had seen the scene of the sign seeking in reality, as the temples I had visited before were usually only for people to burn incense. I watched people kneeling reverently on red mats, shaking the barrel in their hands again and again, I smelled the scents of burning fire in the air, and I heard the music playing in the temple in a small volume as well as the sound of tapping wooden fish and chanting.
No.3 St. John's Cathedral
Equipment: Sony PCM-D50
Although I do not have a deep understanding of Christianity, I am interested in Christian music and also very willing to compare the differences between the architecture, arts, and music in Chinese religions and Christianity. Thus, after leaving Wong Tai Sin Temple, I went to St. John's Cathedral for a tour and to hear the choir sing live.
This church is one of the oldest churches in Hong Kong, and the entire building is Gothic like the others, with a deep spatial layout that makes the singing more ethereal and lush. The choir singers wore sacred robes. I observed that people praying in Wong Tai Sin Temple were all Asian, while the church was filled with worshippers of many races and nationalities. People were singing with the choir with great devotion and skill. Although I did not really understand the specifics of what the hymns were saying, I was still moved by their singing. In this moment, I believe that music can indeed uplift people's hearts and wash their souls.
No. 4 Singing by the Filipino in Central District, HK
Equipment: Sony PCM-D50
There are more than half of the foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong coming from the Philippines. From my perspective, the Filipino maids are an integral part of Hong Kong society, so I recorded their singing in my "Exploring Hong Kong's Voice Tour".
On Sundays and holidays, the Filipino maids always go out together, relax, chat, sing and dance. And the most typically gathering place is the streets in Central District. Although they are engaged in hard but low-paying job, I could deeply feel their hopes and aspirations for life from their bright laughter and happy singing.
No. 5 Traffic signal sounds in Kennedy Town, HK
Equipment: iphone
Since I arrived in Hong Kong in September, I have been most impressed by the sound of traffic lights dripping. If I were asked at the beginning what annoys me the most in Hong Kong, I would definitely say, the first one is that air-conditioned water drips over the heads of pedestrians, and the second one is the sound of traffic lights, since every time I cross the intersection, I have to put up with this "beep" sound. And I am always bothered by this sound when I want to have a rest at my house that is next to an intersection because the sounds of traffic lights plays in a large volume.
But since I understand why the sound is designed in this way, I deeply feel that Hong Kong is a place that cares about people with disabilities. This sound is actually a barrier-free facility or accessibility where the blind can know traffic signals by this sound. So that is why I recorded it mainly because it embodies the humanistic care of Hong Kong.
No.6 It's a small world in Disneyland
Equipment: iphone
HKDL is one of the most famous parks in the world, and more than ten years have passed since my last visit to Disney with my parents. The memory of it seems to be the most beautiful dream in my heart. This time, I recorded the sounds of a project named It's a small world, which is the most profound and my favourite project of Disneyland in my childhood memories. Although I have grown up now, revisiting this project and listening to the song, it's a small world, still awakened me a lot of fond memories with my family. I think the main reason why Disney is so popular with people of all ages around the world is that it creates an ideal world, a dream for children and a paradise full of memories for adults without worries.
No.7 Singing by two unknown singers in Causeway Bay
Equipment: iphone
Few days ago, when wandering in Causeway Bay, I keenly caught the sound of a very moving singing. So I searched for the music and found two singers holding guitars singing "just love you", a hit song among people in mainland China. Although the mall was crowded with people and noisy, their singing attracted a lot of customers to stop and listen. I noticed that many people took out their cell phones to record this scene and sound.
The reason why I want to record their singing is basically that, from their performance, I could feel that music always has a magical power to make busy people stop and appreciate, to relax people's spirits and forget their worries for a while, and to bring beauty and wish to people's lives just like flowers. I believe at that moment, every audience sincerely thanked these two guys for bringing such a wonderful performance to everyone.
No. 8 Subway
No. 9 Lung Fu Shan
Equipment: iPhone
No.10 Belcher Bay Promenade
Equipment: iphone
I chose the seaside promenade near my home as the last destination of this trip. I recorded the sound of the waves because each time I get homesick or feel stressful, I come here to blow the sea breeze and listen to the sound of the waves. I really love the feeling of being close to nature. In addition, I recorded the sound of people skateboarding, walking and chatting. The beautiful sea view and the good facilities attract many people to be here, do some exercise, walk their dogs and relax. Finally, I recorded the sounds of the dog park on the waterfront promenade, where many dog owners play with their pets. If you ask me the place that could help relieve stress and recharge oneself, then my answer would be here.
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