Sounds of Outer Space

Long before modern technology allowed us to uncover the true sounds of the cosmos, composers of sci-fi soundtracks and classical music alike had already decided what outer space sounds like. Collectively, it seems. Ominous percussion, eerie strings, and swelling brass are showcased prominently in countless galaxy-inspired pieces of all musical genres. Despite the centuries between many of these pieces, the commonalities between them go far beyond subject matter. Why are these sounds so omnipresent? Perhaps it’s because when we think about space, these are the sounds that come to mind. This is how space feels to us. Space is awe and expanse and mystery and wonder—one of the only great unknowns left—and these composers have translated this vast, nebulous mystery into a language that is far more familiar to us than the far reaches of our galaxy. They gave space a voice. Now, with no telescopes or rocket ships necessary, all we have to do is listen to these celestial musical ideas to find ourselves among the stars.

📷@_curtisperry