Blog Post #7: Where is music in nature? Where is nature in music?
As a follow-up (focus on the above two before you tackle this one), what song takes you immediately back to a natural landscape? What is the context? Share it with us – I would imagine many of these ideas may have similar underpinnings of a campfire, roadtrip, backpacking journey, etc.!
When I think of music in nature, my mind immediately conjures the image of myself standing in the heart of a dense forest. The rustling of leaves, the varied calls of birds, and the wind threading its way through the trees create a harmonious tapestry, each sound is a note in nature’s ongoing melody. These sounds are far more than background noise, they compose a symphony where every element plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the ecological narrative unfolding around us. Musical sounds in nature like whale songs and bird songs follow structured patterns that are similar to human compositions (Gray et al., 2001). The idea that humpback whale songs share similarities with human music, such as repetition, rhythm, and even rhyme, illustrates the deep connections between species through sound (Gray et al., 2001). Nature, it seems, is full of music if we choose to listen.
This is a picture I captured when I visited Toronto Islands. As you can see, there is a pathway that led me into this forested area. I found myself sitting here for a few minutes taking in the sounds of nature. In that moment, I was immersed by a sense of peace and calm, as the nature around me seemed to have a quiet refuge, offering a deep connection of the moment and the surrounding environment.
Have you ever wondered where nature finds its voice in music? In many ways, music is a reflection of the natural world. Its rhythms and patterns mirroring those found in the environment around us. Consider, for example, the incredible work of wildlife DJ Ben Mirin, whose art shows us that nature and human creativity are not so separate. Mirin’s fusion of birdsongs with beatboxing reminds us that the sounds of nature are woven into our musical expressions. Through this blend, we begin to experience wildlife in a new way, listening not just as passive observers but as active participants in a dialogue between species. His work fosters a deeper connection to the various species we share this planet with, inviting us to appreciate their voices in a way that transcends visual encounters. Through sound, I believe we build empathy, understanding, and a sense of wonder for the life that thrives just beyond our immediate senses.
As interpreters, we are called to create meaningful connections between people and nature, and music is a powerful tool for this. Tilden's principle that interpretation is an art, one that combines many arts, is embodied in the blending of music with nature. Whether it’s the drumming of a palm cockatoo or the intricate song of a canyon wren, these musical expressions offer a gateway into understanding and appreciating the environment (Gray et al., 2001).
When thinking of what song instantly transports me back to the heart of a natural landscape, I would say its Donchano by Steve Lacy. I was nestled in the passenger seat of my boyfriend’s car when I first heard this song. In the vibrant season of summer, my favorite time of year, the rhythm of this song would echo through the car, playing on repeat during our long road trips out of town, harmonizing with the rolling landscapes and endless horizons outside the window. The rhythm and pacing of the song, with its gentle, mellow groove, symbolizes the serene moments I spend in nature. It’s also the song's smooth blend of soulful guitar riffs and ambient production that brings me back to the warmth of a summer sunset.
Nature’s music not only entertains but educates. It connects us to species across the globe, revealing the shared rhythms of life. By tuning into these natural melodies, we can inspire others to see the beauty and integrity of the world around them, leading them to become stewards of the land (Beck et al., 2018). In every call, rustle, and whistle, nature reminds us that music has always been here, and we are just one part of the song.
Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
Gray, P. M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science, 291(5501), 52. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A69270354/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=fb9366a8