by Brian Eno
This work is an example of sound design as it was created for a particular purpose in a product that has other features. Eno was given particular guidelines for creating the sound and it had to be suitable for its role within Microsoft's product.
This sound has the technical function of telling the user of the computer that it has nearly finished booting up as well the more psychological purpose of making the operating system seem helpful and user friendly. To compliment the improved interface, the operating system has a sound that contrasts with the harsh bleeps associated with more primitive systems and makes the user feel more at home. Familiarity with this sound may help users to feel comfortable on all Windows 95 machines.
The sample contains a synthesized electric piano arpeggio followed by an echoing acoustic piano note and a rising and falling synthesized string chord. The sparse arrangement exudes a calm, futuristic mood. The combination of the synth, piano and stylistically fake strings juxtaposes old and new elements to create a sense of movement with sentimentality. This is supported by the transition from sound to sound rather than layering them up. One consideration is that a sonically simple work may experience less adverse effects from the usually mediocre playback equipment.
References: Selvin, Joel. "Q and A with Brian Eno." The San Francisco Chronicle . June 1996. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/1996/06/02/PK70006.DTL (accessed 3/8/2008)
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