Between The Waves

Between the Waves is a musical exploration of conversations occurring within the ocean's depths, featuring a large ensemble that mimics and transforms the sounds of marine life. The piece draws inspiration from the songs of Humpback and Southern Right Whales, which have been transcribed from the field recordings of the Watkins Sea Mammal Archive.
The composition opens with a moaning tam-tam, reminiscent of the haunting calls of whales. Throughout the piece, the bass clarinet introduces ethereal and mysterious siren calls, blending with the ensemble to create a surreal auditory landscape. The cello enhances the portrayal of the ocean's soundscape with a seagull effect. Deep within this sonic tapestry, crotales add a unique element. Suspended in water, the crotales lower their pitch, producing a faint moaning sound and symbolizing submersion in the undersea world.
Between the Waves extends beyond a mere imitation of nature; it serves as a contemplation on the indirect consequences of human activity on marine life, and invites listeners to reflect on the beauty and fragility of ocean ecosystems.
Premiere at The Composers Conference at Avaloch Farm Institute on August 3, 2024
The Conference Ensemble:
Conductor: Christina Morris.
Barry Crawford, flute; Michelle Farah, oboe; Benjamin Fingland, bass clarinet; Adrian Morejon, bassoon; Patrick Pridemore, French horn; Sam Jones, trumpet; Mike Lormand, trombone; Matthew Gold, percussion; Jennifer Elowitch & Sunghae Anna Lim, violins; Louise Schulman, viola; Joshua Gordon, cello; Greg Chudzik, contrabass