Duration 12 mins
2.2.2.2. – 2.2.0.0. – timp, percussion (1 player), Strings [at minimum 5.5.4.4.2 players]
(Two string quartets are pulled out from the tutti string sections and seated apart to create antiphonal effects).
Jaques Cousteau wrote of finding freedom below the ocean’s surface, and I would add that one might find inspiration there as well. Below the waves lies a world that is both surreal and familiar, a place of transcendent calm, of weightlessness, of motion and stasis. Sounds underwater become physical – vibrations felt as much as heard – and in the lapping of waves, gentle chatter from reefs, and sounds of wildlife, the lines between movement, noise, sound and music start to blur. Inspired by an experience hearing humpback whale songs while diving, Songs from the Deep juxtaposes antiphonal masses of sound, Hindustani melodies and dramatic color shifts to build an homage to an immersive soundscape of water, movement, current and flow; of changing colors and shifting light; of wild voices emerging out of chaos.
Commissioned by the Oregon Mozart Players for the 2022 Sound Investment Commission.
Recording (excerpt):
Due to licensing restrictions, I am unable to publicly post a recording of the work in its entirety. Please email me at juhibansalcomposer@gmail.com to request listening access. Thanks!
Perusal score on Issuu:
More about whale song, the inspiration behind and composition of the work here: https://juhibansal.com/sketches-omp/