George Crumb Vox Balaenae Score PDF - Tips and Tricks for Printing, Annotating, and Sharing
George Crumb Vox Balaenae Score PDF Download
If you are looking for a challenging, innovative, and captivating musical piece to play or listen to, you might want to check out George Crumb's Vox Balaenae (Voice of the Whale). This is a composition for three masked players on electric flute, electric cello, and electric piano, inspired by the songs of humpback whales. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this masterpiece, including what it is, why it is so unique, how to perform it, where to find its score PDF online, and how to use it. Let's dive in!
george crumb vox balaenae score pdf download
What is George Crumb Vox Balaenae?
George Crumb (born 1929) is an American composer who is known for his experimental and avant-garde style. He often uses unconventional instruments, extended techniques, graphic notation, spatial effects, and extramusical elements in his works. He has been influenced by various musical traditions, such as folk music, jazz, Indian music, African music, and electronic music.
Vox Balaenae (Voice of the Whale) is one of his most famous compositions. It was written in 1971 for three masked players on electric flute (amplified flute with a microphone attached), electric cello (amplified cello with a contact microphone attached), and electric piano (amplified piano with various objects inserted between or on the strings). The piece was commissioned by the New York Camerata and dedicated to its members: flutist Betty Bang Mather, cellist Bertram Turetzky, and pianist David Burge.
The piece consists of five movements:
Vocalise (...for the beginning of time)
Variations on Sea-Time
Sea Theme
Archeozoic (Var. I)
Proterozoic (Var. II)
Paleozoic (Var. III)
Mesozoic (Var. IV)
Cenozoic (Var. V)
Sea-Nocturne (...for the end of time)
The duration of the piece is about 18 minutes. The score is written in a graphic notation, which means that the symbols and shapes are not conventional and have to be interpreted by the performers. The score also includes instructions and explanations for the players.
Why is George Crumb Vox Balaenae so unique?
George Crumb Vox Balaenae is a unique piece for many reasons. Here are some of them:
The inspiration
The piece was inspired by the songs of humpback whales, which Crumb heard on a recording made by Roger Payne in 1969. The recording was called Songs of the Humpback Whale and it was the first time that the public could hear the complex and beautiful sounds made by these marine mammals. Crumb was fascinated by the whales' vocalizations and decided to create a musical piece that would reflect their mysterious and ancient nature.
The masks
The piece requires the three players to wear black masks that cover their faces. The masks are meant to create a sense of anonymity and timelessness, as well as to emphasize the sound rather than the visual aspect of the performance. The masks also symbolize the whale as a mythical and archetypal creature, as well as the human connection to nature and the cosmos.
The instruments
The piece uses electric instruments that are amplified and modified to create various effects. The electric flute can produce sounds such as whistles, clicks, glissandos, multiphonics, and microtones. The electric cello can produce sounds such as harmonics, pizzicatos, col legno, sul ponticello, and glissandos. The electric piano can produce sounds such as clusters, tremolos, harmonics, and percussive noises.
The techniques
The piece employs a number of musical techniques that are unusual and innovative. For example, the piece uses a 13-note scale that is derived from the harmonic series of a low F#. The piece also uses a technique called "proportional notation", which means that the duration of each note is proportional to its distance from the previous note on the staff. The piece also uses a technique called "spatial notation", which means that the position of each note on the staff indicates its pitch relative to the 13-note scale.
The themes
The piece explores various themes that are related to the whale, such as evolution, ecology, mythology, spirituality, and transcendence. The piece is structured as a musical journey through time, from the beginning of time to the end of time, following the geological eras of Earth's history. The piece also evokes the whale's song as a form of communication, expression, and art.
How to perform George Crumb Vox Balaenae?
Performing George Crumb Vox Balaenae is not an easy task. It requires a lot of preparation, practice, and coordination among the players. Here are some tips on how to perform this piece:
How to play the instruments?
The instruments used in this piece are not ordinary instruments. They are electric instruments that have to be amplified and modified to create different sounds and effects. The players have to follow the instructions and explanations given by Crumb in the score, as well as use their own creativity and interpretation.
The electric flute has to be played with a microphone attached to it, which can be held by the player or fixed on a stand. The player has to use various techniques such as whistling, clicking, singing, humming, flutter-tonguing, overblowing, bending notes, sliding notes, producing multiphonics (two or more notes at once), and producing microtones (notes between semitones). The player also has to use pedals or switches to control the volume and timbre of the sound.
playing with vibrato (varying the pitch slightly), and playing with mutes (devices that dampen the sound). The player also has to use pedals or switches to control the volume and timbre of the sound.
The electric piano has to be played with various objects inserted between or on the strings, such as paper clips, glass rods, metal chains, rubber bands, and mallets. The player has to use various techniques such as playing clusters (groups of adjacent notes), playing tremolos (rapidly alternating between two notes), playing harmonics (notes produced by lightly touching the string at certain points), playing percussive noises (hitting the keys or the frame of the piano), and playing with pedals (devices that sustain or soften the sound). The player also has to use switches to control the volume and timbre of the sound.
How to use the masks?
The masks used in this piece are black masks that cover the faces of the players. The masks are meant to create a sense of anonymity and timelessness, as well as to emphasize the sound rather than the visual aspect of the performance. The masks also symbolize the whale as a mythical and archetypal creature, as well as the human connection to nature and the cosmos.
The players have to wear the masks throughout the performance, except for the first and last movements, where they can remove them briefly. The players have to put on and take off the masks in a ritualistic manner, following the instructions given by Crumb in the score. The players have to avoid any eye contact or facial expression while wearing the masks.
How to follow the score?
The score used in this piece is a graphic score, which means that it uses symbols and shapes that are not conventional and have to be interpreted by the performers. The score also includes instructions and explanations for the players.
The score is divided into five movements, each with a different layout and notation. The first movement is written in a circular shape, representing the beginning of time. The second movement is written in a linear shape, representing the passage of time. The third movement is written in a rectangular shape, representing the sea theme. The fourth movement is written in a spiral shape, representing the variations on sea-time. The fifth movement is written in a circular shape again, representing the end of time.
The score uses a 13-note scale that is derived from the harmonic series of a low F#. The score also uses a technique called "proportional notation", which means that the duration of each note is proportional to its distance from the previous note on the staff. The score also uses a technique called "spatial notation", which means that the position of each note on the staff indicates its pitch relative to the 13-note scale.
The score uses various symbols and shapes to indicate different sounds and effects. For example, a solid circle means a normal note, a hollow circle means a harmonic note, a cross means a percussive noise, a wavy line means a glissando, a dotted line means a tremolo, and so on. The score also uses colors to indicate different dynamics and timbres. For example, black means loud and bright, gray means medium and dull, white means soft and dark, and so on.
The players have to follow the score carefully and accurately, but also use their own creativity and interpretation. The players have to coordinate with each other and listen to each other's sounds. The players have to respect Crumb's intentions and vision, but also express their own personality and emotion.
Where can you find George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF?
If you are interested in playing or studying George Crumb Vox Balaenae, you might want to get a copy of its score PDF online. There are several sources where you can find it, both free and paid. Here are some of them:
Free sources
If you don't want to spend any money on getting George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF, you can try these free sources:
IMSLP
IMSLP stands for International Music Score Library Project. It is a website that offers free access to thousands of public domain music scores from various composers and genres. You can download or view George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF from this website for free.
The advantages of using IMSLP are:
It is free and legal.
It has a large and diverse collection of music scores.
It has a user-friendly and searchable interface.
The disadvantages of using IMSLP are:
It may not have the latest or the best edition of the score.
It may not have the best quality or format of the score.
It may not have the complete or the correct score.
Scribd
Scribd is a website that offers free and paid access to millions of books, documents, audiobooks, podcasts, magazines, and music scores from various authors and publishers. You can download or view George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF from this website for free, but you have to sign up for a 30-day trial first.
The advantages of using Scribd are:
It is free for the first 30 days.
It has a large and diverse collection of music scores.
It has a user-friendly and searchable interface.
The disadvantages of using Scribd are:
It requires you to sign up and provide your credit card information.
It may charge you after the 30-day trial if you don't cancel your subscription.
It may not have the latest or the best edition of the score.
It may not have the best quality or format of the score.
It may not have the complete or the correct score.
Paid sources
If you don't mind spending some money on getting George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF, you can try these paid sources:
Amazon
Amazon is a website that offers online shopping for various products, including books, music, electronics, clothing, and more. You can buy George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF from this website for a fee, either as a physical copy or as a Kindle ebook.
The advantages of using Amazon are:
It has a reliable and secure payment system.
It has a fast and convenient delivery service.
It has a large and diverse collection of music scores.
It has a user-friendly and searchable interface.
The disadvantages of using Amazon are:
It may charge you extra fees for shipping, taxes, or customs.
It may not have the latest or the best edition of the score.
It may not have the best quality or format of the score.
It may not have the complete or the correct score.
Sheet Music Plus
Sheet Music Plus is a website that offers online shopping for various sheet music, including classical, jazz, pop, rock, folk, and more. You can buy George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF from this website for a fee, either as a physical copy or as a digital download.
The advantages of using Sheet Music Plus are:
It has a reliable and secure payment system.
It has a fast and convenient delivery service.
It has a large and diverse collection of music scores.
It has a user-friendly and searchable interface.
The disadvantages of using Sheet Music Plus are:
It may charge you extra fees for shipping, taxes, or customs.
It may not have the latest or the best edition of the score.
It may not have the best quality or format of the score.
It may not have the complete or the correct score.
How to use George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF?
If you have obtained George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF online, you might want to know how to use it effectively. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to make the most of it:
How to print George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF?
If you want to print George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF, you should consider these factors:
The quality and color of the paper. The score PDF is designed for high-quality and white paper. You should use this paper quality and color for optimal results. If you use a lower-quality or colored paper, you might lose some details or contrast in the score.
The quality and color of the ink. The score PDF is designed for high-quality and black ink. You should use this ink quality and color for optimal results. If you use a lower-quality or colored ink, you might lose some details or contrast in the score.
The number of copies. The score PDF is designed for one copy per player. You should print one copy for each player (flute, cello, and piano) and one copy for yourself (conductor or listener). If you print more copies than needed, you might waste paper and ink.
How to annotate George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF?
If you want to annotate George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF, you should consider these factors:
The tools and apps you use. You can annotate the score PDF using different tools and apps, such as pens, pencils, highlighters, stickers, notes, comments, markings, etc. You should use the tools and apps that suit your needs and preferences. For example, if you want to add notes or comments to the score PDF, you can use a pen or a pencil to write on the paper copy, or you can use an app such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or Microsoft Word to write on the digital copy.
The purpose and audience of your annotation. You can annotate the score PDF for different purposes and audiences, such as learning, teaching, performing, studying, etc. You should use the annotation that suits your purpose and audience. For example, if you want to learn how to play the piece, you can annotate the score PDF with your own questions, doubts, suggestions, etc. If you want to teach how to play the piece, you can annotate the score PDF with your own explanations, examples, tips, etc.
The style and format of your annotation. You can annotate the score PDF using different styles and formats, such as formal or informal, simple or complex, clear or creative, etc. You should use the style and format that suit your personality and expression. For example, if you want to annotate the score PDF in a formal and simple way, you can use standard symbols and abbreviations to indicate different sounds and effects. If you want to annotate the score PDF in an informal and creative way, you can use your own symbols and words to indicate different sounds and effects.
How to share George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF?
If you want to share George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF with other musicians, teachers, or students, you should consider these factors:
The platform and method you use. You can share the score PDF using different platforms and methods, such as email, social media, cloud storage, file transfer, etc. You should use the platform and method that suit your convenience and security. For example, if you want to share the score PDF quickly and easily with someone who has an email account, you can use email to send the score PDF as an attachment. If you want to share the score PDF securely and privately with someone who has a cloud storage account, you can use cloud storage to upload the score PDF and share the link.
The permission and credit you give. You can share the score PDF with different permissions and credits, such as public or private, free or paid, original or modified, etc. You should give the permission and credit that suit your respect and responsibility. For example, if you want to share the score PDF publicly and freely with anyone who is interested in it, you should give permission for anyone to access it and credit George Crumb as the composer of it. If you want to share the score PDF privately and paidly with someone who wants to perform it, you should give permission for only that person to access it and credit yourself as the provider of it.
Conclusion
George Crumb Vox Balaenae is a remarkable musical piece that was inspired by the songs of humpback whales. It is a composition for three masked players on electric flute, electric cello, and electric piano, using various techniques, themes, and effects. It is a piece that challenges, innovates, and captivates both performers and listeners. If you want to play or listen to this piece, you can find its score PDF online from various sources, both free and paid. You can also use the score PDF effectively by printing, annotating, and sharing it with others. We hope this article has helped you learn more about this masterpiece and how to enjoy it.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about George Crumb Vox Balaenae and its score PDF:
Q: Where can I listen to George Crumb Vox Balaenae?
A: You can listen to George Crumb Vox Balaenae on various platforms, such as YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, etc. You can also find recordings of the piece by different performers and groups, such as the New York Camerata, the Kronos Quartet, the Eighth Blackbird, etc.
Q: Where can I buy George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF?
A: You can buy George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF from various websites, such as Amazon, Sheet Music Plus, Presto Music, etc. You can also buy the score PDF directly from the publisher, C.F. Peters Corporation, or from the composer's website, George Crumb Edition.
Q: How much does George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF cost?
A: The price of George Crumb Vox Balaenae score PDF may vary depending on the source, the edition, the format, and the delivery method. Generally, the price ranges from $10 to $50 for a physical copy or a digital download.
Q: How difficult is George Crumb Vox Balaenae to play?
A: George Crumb Vox Balaenae is a very difficult piece to play. It requires advanced skills, knowledge, and experience in playing electric instruments, using extended techniques, reading graphic notation, in