Vox Balaenae
Vox Balaenae, is a work for electric flute, 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 "", five variations named after geologic time periods, and the last movement "".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.| Name of movement | Examples of instrumentation and technique |
| Vocalise | Sing flute, performer sings into flute while playing |
| Sea Theme | "Aeolian harp" performer strums piano strings |
| Archeozoic | cello harmonics and chisel on piano strings |
| Proterozoic | Paper clip strums piano strings and sing flute |
| Paleozoic | Harmonic glissando for cello |
| Mesozoic | Glass rod on piano strings |
| Cenozoic | Harmonics called whistle |
| Sea-Nocturne | Antique cymbals |