Vox Balaenae (Voice of the Whale), is a work for electric flute, electric 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 indicates, Vox Balaenae was inspired by 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, these are grouped into three structurally similar parts: the first two movements "(...for the beginning of time)", five variations named after geologic time periods, and the last movement "(...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]
^ ab"George Crumb Voice of the Whale". Retrieved 2014-03-11. A Study Module Created for the Associated Colleges of the South Composers Forum Patricia Gray, ACS, Craig Hultgren, Birmingham Southern College, Anthony Brandt, Rice University{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
