Vox Balaenae
Vox Balaenae (Voice of the Whale), is a work for electric flute, cello and amplified piano by the American avant-garde composer George Crumb. It was composed for performance by the New York Camerata in 1971.[1]
Background
As the name of the piece Vox Balaenae indicates, its inspiration came from the recordings of whale songs. "Late in the 1960s, George Crumb heard a tape recording prepared by a marine scientist of the sounds emitted by the humpback whale.... In 1971, Crumb drew on these sounds as the inspiration...".[1] Although the piece has eight movements, structurally, the piece is looked at in three parts: the beginning "(...for the beginning of time)", the second part of five variations named after geologic time periods and the third "(...for the end of time)".[2]
Movements and instrumentation techniques
In addition to instrumentation techniques, performers are asked to wear half black masks.[1] It is highly suggested that whenever possible the performance be done under blue lighting.[1] The cello is tuned scordatura,[2] and the piece requires the use of a grand piano as the techniques required would not be possible on an upright model.[3]
| Name of movement[3] | Examples of instrumentation and technique |
|---|---|
| Vocalise | Sing flute, performer sings into flute while playing |
| Sea Theme | "Aeolian harp" performer strums piano strings |
| Archeozoic | cello harmonics and chisel on piano strings |
| Proterozoic | Paper clip strums piano strings and sing flute |
| Paleozoic | Harmonic glissando for cello |
| Mesozoic | Glass rod on piano strings |
| Cenozoic | Harmonics called whistle |
| Sea-Nocturne | Antique cymbals |
