«Mission Stille» is a narrative sound piece that moves between radio drama and sound composition. It works with acoustic spaces, so-called soundscapes, and takes listeners on a journey into the world of listening. Atmospheres emerge that are shaped by the time of day and the inner state of a protagonist. At its centre lies the question of what silence means, how it is experienced, and how it can be created. This theme is embedded in a story about a protagonist whose character deliberately remains open: a traveller between worlds, perhaps a hermit or a seeker. We accompany him during the days following his arrival on Earth, which is initially unfamiliar to him.

The soundscapes are not conceived as documentary recordings but are deliberately composed. Field recordings, electronic sounds, musical elements, and speech intertwine to form acoustic spaces with an affective impact. The aim is to create atmospheres they allow to be experienced. Listeners are invited to immerse themselves in listening and to engage with the mood of each scene.

The story takes place on Earth, a place that is initially strange to the protagonist. He knows the planet only through descriptions and data. Gradually, he begins to familiarise himself with his surroundings: through perception, through observation, and through cautious physical approach. This slow process of becoming familiar shapes the sonic development of the piece.

The audio work unfolds across six consecutive scenes, each associated with a time of day and inspired by monastic prayer times. Each scene has its own sonic quality and reflects a particular inner state of the protagonist. Together they form a daily arc from awakening to night.

The protagonist is conceived as a figure on an unknown mission, one that is less external than internal. The soundscapes follow his development—from a distant, controlled perception toward an open, embodied participation. « Mission Stille» invites listeners to place themselves within this figure and gain a sense of his experience: a sense of silence, presence, and connection in sound.

The audio piece was created as part of a master’s thesis in the MAS Creative Practice programme at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) and was supervised by Antoine Chessex.

The audio piece will be published at a later date.

The full written thesis accompanying the audio piece can be read here (in german):