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.
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...". 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)".
Movements and instrumentation techniques In addition to instrumentation techniques, performers are asked to wear half black masks. It is highly suggested that whenever possible the performance be done under blue lighting. The cello is tuned scordatura, and the piece requires the use of a grand piano as the techniques required would not be possible on an upright model. Movement Instrumentation Techniques Vocalise (for the beginning of time) Sing flute, performer sings into flute while playing, flutter tonguing (flz), muting piano strings using fingertips, glissandi on piano strings Sea Theme Cello harmonics, "Aeolian harp" - performer strums piano strings Archeozoic [Var. I] Cello harmonics ("seagull" effect), chisel on piano strings, piano "double- glissando" effect, quarter tone trills Proterozoic [Var. II] Paper clip strums piano strings, "speak-flute" Paleozoic [Var. III] Harmonic glissandi for cello, cello and flute harmonics Mesozoic [Var. IV] Glass rod on piano strings Cenozoic [Var. V] Flutter tonguing (flz), sul ponticello, whistling (includes quarter tones), Sea-Nocturne (for the end of time) Whistling continues, antique cymbals, flute harmonics, playing in "pantomime" (absolutely silent, mimicking playing)
Recordings +EnsemblePlayersCurtis Institute of MusicMimi Stillman (Flute), Arlen Hlusko (Cello), Amy Yang (Piano)Ensemble intercontemporainSophie Cherrier (Flute), Pierre Strauch (Cello), Hidéki Nagano (Piano)Atlanta Chamber PlayersChristina Smith (Flute), Brad Ritchie (Cello), Paula Peace (Piano)Ensemble ACJWCatherine Gregory (Flute), Alice Yoo (Cello), Tyler Wottrich (Piano)
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