When did we forget how to listen? - Slippedisc (2024)

Ned Keene says:

If mixed properly and carefully, Atmos sounds great – immersive and impressive In the rush to create Atmos content for the online music platforms, some originally stereo remasters into Atmos are little more than tarting up with a bit of reverb in the surround speakers tho.

pepe says:

Absolutely right!
It is also my experience with Dolby Atmos, especially for opera recordings.

Simon Peter says:

What is Atmos?

Barry says:

“Music has become background noise for most people. It’s something in your headphones while you’re out doing other stuff,”

Spot on. And everything is a “song”.

J Barcelo says:

Too late. Multichannel music can be enthralling if done right. SACD had the promise but too many producers chickened out and basically used only two channels. Were they afraid that too many people didn’t have properly set up Surround Sound systems? That’s probably true. It’s just like what happened with Quadraphonic sound decades ago. It would have been great if music were put on Blu Ray utilizing the multi-channel potential to provide a truly immersive experience. But now, who has the money to go back and re-re-re-record the repertoire again with top-notch orchestras. Add to it that there aren’t that many conductors today who are all that interesting. And…given that most people today listen with ear buds and headphones, the real shame is that binaural recording didn’t take off; done properly that is a really thrilling experience.

John Kelly says:

“When I was a teenager, I used to listen to an album three, four times through just sitting in front of my speakers, entranced.” That way of listening has disappeared, he said,”

No it hasn’t.

Dolby cinema is great says:

True, but things were the same 250 years ago as they are now. Music, even in the opera, was background noise for most

Vance Koven says:

I didn’t see a single use case in that article with any pertinence to classical music. Wonder why?

cj says:

We didn’t.

Peter San Diego says:

This doomsaying carries on a tradition that began with the introduction of music reproduction by Edison et al. Before that time, learning to read and perform music was the main way for people (of a certain standard of living: for most of time, a small minority) to experience it. For roughly the past century, music has been background for the vast majority of the populace, but there remains a (sustainable?) minority who listen to live or reproduced music intensely and/or perform it.

Plus ca change…

Meal says:

“That way of listening has disappeared, he said, but he’s hopeful that Atmos can bring it back.” I doubt that. Those listening intensively to music already may appreciate the better audio quality. But those who don’t will not change their behavior of listening to music just because Atmos is available. Whether Atmos will be accepted will mainly depend on price and trust. In recent years we have seen a couple of technical inventions which did not develop really well (for various reasons). I don’t want to invest into a setup which may be in use for a couple of years only. Even more so, if the recording medium can not be played appropriatly on future hardware.

Mystic Chord says:

“WHEN DID WE FORGET HOW TO LISTEN?” Hilarious, speak for yourself! There are plenty of us listening to albums of classical, and all other genres of music on well put together sound systems, modestly priced or mega bucks, who don’t need another gimmick punted their way. If you think “Atmos” is going to change the way some kids listen to music you need a long holiday. Next thing Betamax will be making a comeback.

Fan of stereo says:

Didn’t we live through this a few decades ago with surround sound? Hearing music as if you were a member of the preforming group is not like we hear music live — as a member of the audience. Atmos is just more of the same ole, trying to get people to replace their collection with another gimmick.

ML says:

If it’s an excellent recording, eg a great concerto, sonata, symphony, etc I can sit and listen three, four or even five times through, enthralled. Or a CD or DVD, if it’s available to buy (sometimes it’s taken from tv and no DVD/CD is available to buy. You don’t need fancy or expensive technology. Mind you, it’s not really necessary to listen through three times. Just attentive listening once through is sufficient to appreciate it and benefit your mind and mood…..especially if you have deadlines, chores or work waiting!

Nick2 says:

When I read the thread title, I assumed it meant literally to “listen” by using one’s ears and not specifically to music. I certainly think those who do listen to music have a more acute sense of hearing. But when I joined the BBC as a graduate trainee decades ago, the trainers spent much of the 3 month course training us just actively to listen. The fact is that many people are merely passive listeners. Sounds reach their ears and they are analyzed but only up to a point. Much is missed. Actively listening opens up a new realm and detail of sound. It is something for which I have been profoundly grateful throughout my life.