Biomusic
“music which is created by or results from natural processes including bio-environmental sounds (sound generated from the biological functions of animals and human’s)” - David Rosenboom
Definitions
- The term ‘biomusic’ was first coined by American curator, ornithologist and songbird expert Dr. Luis Baptista refering to the study of natural sounds that ‘seeks to examine music in all species (human and non-human)and to explore and understand its powerful role in living things.
- It is music that has been influenced or generated from natural sounds, i.e. unmanipulated sounds, direct form the original source.
- Exploration of musical sounds in all species.
Founders
Dr. Luis Baptista is a American curator, ornithologist and songbird expert. Baptista completed extensive research in the field of avian vocal activity and music and it his research that has become invaluable to modern biomusicology (study of biological (natural) music). He believes that a birds song is real music and his research justifies this. Studies show that not only do birds conform to musical scales but they also use rhythm and volume modulation. Baptista has studied birds across the Americas that conform to western diatonic and chromatic scales as well as a traditional Japanese pentatonic scale.
Olivier Messiean was a twentieth century composer, organist and ornithologist (wikipedia.com).Many composers were influenced by birdsong during the 20th century but it was
Messiaen who transformed birdsong from an ornament to an element of musical style. Birdsongs were evident in almost all his works post 1950 and his choice of birdsong was relative to the subject matter of the piece.
Birdsong
- Baptista believes when a bird sings it is more than just noise. Each song and vocalisation is as individual a humans voice.
- Study has shown that not only do birds conform to musical scales they also use rhythm, and volume modulation. This is a huge finding in the biomusic world because it shows us that, 'animal sounds' are more than just noise. For example, Wood Thrushes confirm to a western diatonic scale, and Canyon Wrens sing closer to a more chromatic scale.
- Many birds, also pass down musical traditions and are skillful imitators. Some birds have the capacity to reference and sing up to 80 different songs!
- As early as the 14th century, vocalizations of birds have been of interest to composers and musicians. Great composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, Messiaen, and Bartok were all influenced by birdsongs and these influences are portrayed generally through imitation, quotation or live recordings.
Biomusic in the 20th Century
- Composers were drawn to birdsongs because of its lyrical ness, ornamentation and rhythmic spontaneity.
- Biomusic and birdsongs influenced the bebop tradition of jazz. Reknowned jazz musician Charlie Parker wrote a series of bird pieces called Ornithology (1946) and Bird of Paradise (1947).
- The Nightingale, and Blackbird are some of the most common birds to be imitated in biomusic compositions. Other influences include, Quails, Skylarks, Robins, Owls and Crows.
- Focus has been to represent the improvisatory manner and chorus of birdsong
Other Biomusics
While birdsong has been the most documented and influential to biomusic other species and there sounds are being documented. Whales and Dolphins are the next most documented animals for their songs.Other animals include, Orcas, Wolves, Elephants and primates.The most modern biomusic involves live recording of animals and is increasingly becoming part of the higher genre of ‘experimental music'.
Resources
- Baptista, L. Gray, P. M. Krause, B. et al. The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science: January 5, 2001.
*Harley, M. A. Birdsong. Grove Music Online ed. L. Macy. Retreived August 3, 2006 from http://www.grovemusic.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/shared/views/article.html?from=search&session_search_id=261811029&hitnum=1§ion=music.03123
- Milius, S. Music Without Borders. Science News: April 15, 2001
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