What I appreciate most about the Voyager’s Golden Record is its focus on being multicultural. Therefore, when creating my compilation of 10 songs, I wanted to ensure I maintained that multicultural focus. I want to ensure that the Voyager shows all forms of music not just Eurocentric or with a Western Bias. I noticed that in the original there were 6 instances of classical music, 2 Bach, 2 Beethoven, 1 Stravinsky, and 1 Mozart. Now, perhaps I am uncultured, but I believe that 6 classical compositions from old white guys may not be the best way to show the variety of human life on earth today.

In the list below, I hope to explain my choices more thoroughly.

1. Mexico, “El Cascabel,” performed by Lorenzo Barcelata and the Mariachi México. This is the first song I want on my record because it is a great example of Latin music. It has a great rhythm that I can listen to and dance to. I have always enjoyed Zumba, which originated in Columbia and focuses heavily on music by South/Central American music.
2. “Johnny B. Goode,” written and performed by Chuck Berry. 2:38. Chuck Berry is a popular well-known African American singer in the late 50s. It has this focus on the south and the power of music to change lives. I also consider it one of the original Rock and Roll songs, which I think is important in order to show the range of music. Plus, on a personal note, I just love this song.
3. Japan, shakuhachi, “Tsuru No Sugomori” (“Crane’s Nest,”) performed by Goro Yamaguchi. 4:51. The beautiful whistle of the wind instrument here is incredibly breathtaking, reminding me of wind on a river. The nature of the “Crane’s Nest” and the connection of music with nature here is important. I think art is often created using nature as inspiration. Therefore, in keeping with the choices for diversity I have included this Japanese song.
4. Peru, panpipes, and drum, collected by Casa de la Cultura, Lima. 0:52. In my travels to South America, I have a great appreciation for Peruvian music. Therefore I have chosen the panpipes and drum, collected by Casa de la Cultura, Lima. This South American music sounds like it could have indigenous roots, and I want to ensure it is included in the record.
5. “Melancholy Blues,” performed by Louis Armstrong and his Hot Seven. 3:05. Blues descended from “camp meeting songs” from the “slavery period.” [1] This trumpet in this song is sorrowful and although there are no words, it encapsulates a period of time where self-expression and spiritual freedom was found through music.
6. Beethoven, Fifth Symphony, First Movement, the Philharmonia Orchestra, Otto Klemperer, conductor. 7:20. In order to have one classical song to show the depth of music, I chose Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, First Movement. Not only do I love it because of the Disney Fantasia sketch, but I love it for the emotion within it. It is full of different sounds to mimic feelings. In addition, I wanted to ensure I had at least one disabled musician in the repertoire to mimic the diversity of humans on earth.
7. Navajo Indians, Night Chant, recorded by Willard Rhodes. 0:57. This mesmerizing chant has a fantastic rhythm and was created by the Navajo Nation. It is not made up of many instruments or complicated compositions, but its spirituality makes it an invaluable song to include on the record.

8. Peru, wedding song, recorded by John Cohen. 0:38. Although we have already included a song from Peru, I think this song is important to include because of its purpose. Songs are used at important events, including weddings, all over the world. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge and include that within the Golden Record.
9. China, ch’in, “Flowing Streams,” performed by Kuan P’ing-hu. 7:37. I can hear the string instruments in this song, it’s rhythm is slow, but the twang of the strings is clear and crisp. It evolves into this beautiful tune, which really makes me want to visit China.
10. India, raga, “Jaat Kahan Ho,” sung by Surshri Kesar Bai Kerkar. 3:30. India, like China, has a rich history and culture. I think it is important to include on the Golden Record. I may not understand the words of the song, but it sounds passionate and beautiful.

Similar to the original, my compilation wanted to highlight the diversity of our world. I wanted to amplify the voices of all those who may be victims of a capitalist, racist, colonialist world. Music has a way of unifying us.  Throughout all these cultures there is music. The songs may sound different, but the fact that everywhere there is music and art is an incredibly humbling and fulfilling thought. I want to clarify that I am not choosing diversity for the sake of it, rather I wanted to represent everyone in our world. The mere population within India, Japan, and China should entitle them to at least one song from their cultures. Furthermore, those with a smaller population are still equally entitled like those of the Navajo Nation. I wanted to ensure all voices were heard on this record.

[1] Hatch, D., & Millward, S. (1987). From blues to rock: An analytical history of pop music. Manchester University Press.