Where can Music be Found in Nature?
When I read this week’s prompt, which asked “Where is music in nature.” I instantly thought of the songs of birds and whales, and I think that’s the conclusion that many people had come to as well.
For centuries, certain patterns of sound created by whales and birds have been described as “songs,” already having received credit by the English language and by early biologists, as a musical phenomenon. But this week’s readings just made me aware of just how complex, and similar they are to human-made music. Researchers have even identified the same musical laws used in whale song to those used by human composers (Gray et al. 2001). For example, some whale songs employ the ABA form, where a theme is stated, than elaborated, and then a modified version of the theme is repeated (Gray et al. 2001). In addition, an analysis of birdsong by Luis Baptista revealed that birdsong use all the rhythmic effects found in human music (Gray et al. 2001).
The part at 0:44 drew my attention. Like in human song, whales like to reiterate the themes they created out of phrases. The song continues in such a way that reminds me a lot of human songs (Gray et al. 2001; Oceania Project 2008).
Music is a natural part of the behavior of many animals, including humans. All human cultures across the globe produced music (Gray et al. 2001). Thus it can be argued that music is a natural phenomenon. Many artists say they look to nature for inspiration for their songs. Beethoven has said that nature walks inspired his music, an example being the "Pastoral Symphony” (Wise 2005). The Hutu and Tutsi music incorporate elements inspired by the low-frequency sounds of elephants—natural sounds which, remarkably, urban residents struggle to hear! (Gray et al. 2001).
Music can also connect the listener to a landscape, whether it be through human music or other natural creator.
There are many examples I can think of how a song can take me back to a natural landscape… I have listened to recordings of Newfoundland folk songs when vacationing in Newfoundland with my family. The song of an American robin’s evening song takes me back to a childhood of summer vacation, playing in a splash pad with friends. The calls and songs of a the Common Loon ignites memories of a night spent camping in Massassauga or Killarney.
But there was one experienced someone close to me had shared that I feel inspired to talk about.
During her youth as a girl scout, way back in Poland before I was even a concept, my mom would sing this song with fellow scouts, as she played a guitar and sat by the campfire.
The song's title: “Płonie Ognisko i Szumią Knieje” roughly translates to “The fire is burning and a wind roars through the wilderness” (Zasacki 2019).
It is a scout song about a victory in battle, reflective of the militant values held by the scout culture, and Poland’s centuries-old history of recurrent war. Throughout the song, there is a lyrical motif of the wind roaring through the oak forest, as if the land itself was crying out victoriously–an example of how a natural sound can inspire song. To my mom, however, the song is more about being in the wilderness with her friends, after a long day of adventure, and the trials and tribulations of being a scout. I think it’s powerful that a sound can bring back these memories of a time and place experienced over 40 years ago; reminding oneself of their roots, history, and culture.
References:
Gray, P. M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., Baptista, L. (Janurary 5, 2001). The science of nature and the nature of music. Science. 291 (52-54). American Association for the Advancement of Science. https://go-galecom.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=guel77241&id=GALE|A69270354&v=2.1&it=r&sid=AONE&asid=fb9366a8
Jarek Zasacki. (Dec 27, 2019). Płonie ognisko – Piosenki harcerskie [Video]. YouTube.
Oceania Project. (June 8, 2008). Whale Song [Video]. YouTube.
Wise, B. (April 21, 2015). Earth Day: How Mother Nature Inspired Four Major Composers. WQXR. https://www.wqxr.org/story/earth-day-how-nature-inspired-major-composers/
