Brian Eno's Music At Munich Airport: A Sonic Experience

Brian Eno's Ambient 1: Music for Airports is a seminal album that is credited with defining the ambient genre. The album consists of four compositions created by layering tape loops of differing lengths, and was designed to be continuously looped as a sound installation, with the intent of defusing the anxious atmosphere of an airport terminal. In 2024, London City Airport played the original album in a day-long loop for the album's 40th anniversary. But does Munich Airport play Brian Eno's music?

Brian Eno's Ambient 1: Music for Airports played at London City Airport

Brian Eno's Ambient 1: Music for Airports is a seminal album, credited with coining the term 'ambient music'. The album, released in 1978, consists of four compositions created by layering tape loops of differing lengths. It was designed to be continuously looped as a sound installation, with the intent of defusing the anxious atmosphere of an airport terminal.

On 4 April 2019, London City Airport marked the 40th anniversary of the album's release by playing it on loop throughout the day. Melanie Burnley, the airport's Director of Customer Experience, said:

> The anniversary of Brian Eno’s famous work is an apt occasion to play the full album in its intended environment – an airport. It is a subtle album which we hope will help create a calm and pleasant ambiance as passengers make their way through to Departures.

Anne-Marie Mcgregor, Head of Music for C-Burn, the airport’s music consultancy, added:

> Eno is a hero amongst our team of music consultants for his belief that music needs to be considered in public spaces and not left to personal tastes or what an algorithm decides.

The album was conceived by Eno while he waited for a flight at Cologne Bonn Airport in the mid-1970s. Despite the "beautiful building", the airport played "awful music", prompting Eno to develop his own creative response in a piece of work suited to public spaces, like airports.

The 40th anniversary of the album

In 2021, Brian Eno's album Ambient 1: Music for Airports turned 40. The album, released in March 1978, is the sixth studio album by the English musician and the first of four albums in Eno's Ambient series. To celebrate the anniversary, London City Airport played the album on loop all day.

Ambient 1: Music for Airports was designed to be continuously looped as a sound installation, with the intent of defusing the anxious atmosphere of an airport terminal. The album consists of four compositions created by layering tape loops of differing lengths. It is credited with coining the term 'ambient' and, in 2004, Rolling Stone credited the album with defining the genre.

The album came near the beginning of what would become a prolific career for Eno. His discography primarily consists of 29 solo studio albums, 22 collaborative studio albums, 18 compilation albums, one remix album, four video albums, nine extended plays, and 27 singles. He has also had numerous production credits for other artists and bands' singles, albums and compilations.

Eno is best known for his pioneering contributions to ambient music and electronica, and for producing, recording, and writing works in rock and pop music. He has been described as one of popular music's most influential and innovative figures and, in 2019, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Roxy Music.

In addition to his music career, Eno has also designed ringtones for the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Edition mobile phone, released in 2006. He has also contributed compositions to other artists' albums, including Belinda Carlisle's solo album, Voila, and Dido's Safe Trip Home.

Eno's description of ambient music

Brian Eno is credited with coining the term "ambient music" in the mid-1970s. He described ambient music as "unobtrusive background stimulus" that "created a sort of landscape you could belong to". He also said that it must be as ignorable as it is interesting, and that it must be able to accommodate many levels of listening attention without enforcing one in particular.

Eno's creation of the ambient genre was influenced by his experience of listening to music while convalescing after a car accident. He found himself unable to move or adjust the volume of the music playing, and this led him to think about music as just one element in a larger environment. He described this as a great musical experience, and it inspired him to create his 1975 album, "Discreet Music", which he suggested should be listened to at "comparatively low levels".

The therapeutic benefits of ambient music

Brian Eno's Ambient 1: Music for Airports was designed to "induce calm and a space to think" while remaining "as ignorable as it is interesting". The album consists of four compositions created by layering tape loops of differing lengths and was designed to be continuously looped as a sound installation, with the intent of defusing the anxious atmosphere of an airport terminal.

Eno's work in ambient music has been credited with therapeutic benefits, including easing chronic anxiety, physical pain, and ICU-related trauma. Research has validated his claims about the positive effects of long, slow, atmospheric music. Listening to music from ambient composers like Eno has helped individuals ground themselves during extremely anxious moments, bringing them back into sensory contact with the present.

Incorporating ambient music into one's daily routine can be a valuable tool for managing stress, finding relaxation, and nurturing creativity. Listening to ambient music before sleep can improve sleep quality and enhance physical and emotional restoration. The act of composing and producing ambient music can also be a form of meditation, calming the mind, reducing stress, enhancing concentration, and improving critical thinking.

Overall, ambient music has the power to create a peaceful and soothing environment, providing a sanctuary for the mind and soul in a world filled with constant noise and chaos.

Live performances of the album by Bang on a Can

Bang on a Can All-Stars' live performances of Brian Eno's Music for Airports have been widely acclaimed. The group's live performances of the album have been described as "amazing", "awe-inspiring", and "stunning".

Bang on a Can's live performances of the album feature real instruments, including cello, vibes, and piano. The group's performances of the album have been noted for their passion and emotion, while also maintaining the "ambient" nature of the music.

Bang on a Can All-Stars first released their version of the album in 1998, twenty years after Eno's original release, with the composer's blessing. The group has since frequently performed the album live. In 2008, Cantaloupe Music released a live version of the album as a digital-only release.

Bang on a Can is known for its ultra-dynamic live performances and recordings of today's most innovative music. The group is an amplified ensemble that crosses the boundaries between classical, jazz, rock, world, and experimental music. The group was formed in 1992 and has since become known for its Marathon Concerts, during which an eclectic mix of pieces are performed over the course of many hours. Audience members are encouraged to come and go as they please and maintain a casual atmosphere.

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