Sound-focused

Describing something primarily concerned with, or attentive to, the auditory elements of a particular subject, environment, or creative work. This encompasses a keen awareness of sounds' qualities (e.g., pitch, timbre, volume, and duration), their interaction with each other, and the overall aural experience they create. It often suggests a deliberate prioritization of audio over other sensory inputs, such as visual or tactile elements. The approach can be analytical, artistic, or both, and highlights the significance of sound in conveying meaning, evoking emotions, or creating an immersive atmosphere.

Sound-focused meaning with examples

• The composer adopted a sound-focused approach to their score, meticulously crafting a tapestry of layered instrumental textures. Each note and silence contributed to the overarching narrative. They used diverse instruments, building emotional complexity through the careful manipulation of frequencies and rhythms, ultimately prioritising the auditory impact.
• In the immersive audio installation, the sound-focused design created an environment. The use of spatial audio techniques placed the listener at the centre of an evolving soundscape. The audience felt a rich, immersive sound, where movement of the audio, and the surrounding physical space created a truly visceral experience.
• The architect employed a sound-focused strategy when designing the concert hall. The shape and materials were selected for their acoustic properties, which helped project sound evenly, with the aim of minimising unwanted reflections and maximising the audience's aural experience of all musical pieces, at all times. The sound was the main consideration.
• The filmmaker developed a sound-focused style. They carefully considered diegetic and non-diegetic sound, including audio cues, sound design, and a film score that helped amplify each scene's emotional resonance. They used audio to emphasise moments of suspense, build the dramatic tension, and also subtly guide viewers' emotional responses.