Bernie Krause

Bernie Krause is an American musician, bioacoustician, and author, widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to the field of soundscape ecology. Born in 1938, Krause initially gained fame as a session musician, playing with notable artists like Frank Zappa and George Harrison during the 1960s. He was also a member of the folk group The Weavers, where he honed his musical talents and developed a deep appreciation for the natural sounds of the world.In the 1970s, Krause shifted his focus to recording and studying the sounds of nature, believing that the acoustic environment is as important as visual landscapes. He founded the Wild Sanctuary, a company dedicated to the recording and preservation of natural soundscapes. His extensive recordings of wildlife and natural environments have led to the development of soundscape ecology, a field that examines the interactions between living organisms and their acoustic environment. Through his work, Krause emphasizes the importance of preserving these natural soundscapes in the face of increasing environmental degradation.Krause's influential books, including The Great Animal Orchestra, explore the relationship between music and the natural world, advocating for environmental awareness through sound. His recordings and research have not only contributed to scientific understanding but have also inspired artists and musicians to incorporate natural sounds into their work. As a passionate advocate for the environment, Bernie Krause continues to share his unique perspective on the intersection of music, ecology, and the importance of listening to the natural world.