*click on the image to go to an interactive map of “My Top 10 Tracks from the Golden Record” on genial.ly*

A snippet of time in space. I was interested to learn how the Gold Record would capture the cultural diversity in music that exists in the world to share the story of humanity with interstellar life forms. There was a variety of musical genres from classical, to jazz and the blues. It also included some prominent languages from around the world.  As noted in the podcast by Dallas Taylor, “Music is non-specific but communicates something to someone”. From this inclusionary lens, I selected a compilation of songs that I was not familiar with. In the selection process, I wanted to ensure that there was cultural representation as I narrowed down the list with a mix of both instrumental and vocal music from around the globe. 

1.Senegal, percussion, recorded by Charles Duvelle

The fast paced beat of the percussion instruments was intriguing. After reading about the traditional African drum music, it was interesting to learn that there are certain elements that have influenced American and Cuban music. In the background, I could also hear a wind instrument joining along with the rhythm of the drums. 

2. Mexico, “El Cascabel,” performed by Lorenzo Barcelata and the Mariachi México.

I chose this upbeat song which happens to be a well-known Mexican folk song that means “Little Bell”. At first, it was hard to decipher the many different instruments playing, then I learned that a mariachi band consists of trumpeters, guitarists and violinists. 

3. New Guinea, men’s house song, recorded by Robert MacLennan. 1:20

The vagueness of the title intrigued me. I imagined the playing of the long flutes told a story amongst the men as a form of initiation. The back and forth of the long flutes sounds as if it were a playful  ‘face off’ between the men. 

4. Japan, shakuhachi, “Tsuru No Sugomori” (“Crane’s Nest,”) performed by Goro Yamaguchi. 4:51

The translation of the title of the song “Crane’s Nest” was fitting to the tune of the flute and woodwind as I began to visualize the graceful movements of the crane as it built its home.

5. Azerbaijan S.S.R., bagpipes, recorded by Radio Moscow. 2:30

My initial assumption was that this bagpipe song would derive from Scotland. But the rhythm and almost soft tones were different from my expectations of the Scottish bagpipes.

6. Stravinsky, Rite of Spring, Sacrificial Dance, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Igor Stravinsky, conductor. 4:35

I can feel the suspense of this sacrificial dance through the dissonance of the string instruments. The Rite to Spring orchestral movement is the score that accompanies a ballet about a young girl who dances as a sacrificial victim. Viewing the 1989 version of this Rite to passage dance, I found it to be quite offensive towards Indigenous groups and the representation of their culture. 

7. Navajo Indians, Night Chant, recorded by Willard Rhodes. 0:57

The sounds from the singer’s voice were airy and enchanting with the rise and fall of the notes. The repetitive melody were characteristics of a chant. It piqued my interest to learn that the night chant is a healing ritual to restore balance between humans and the universe.

8. Peru, wedding song, recorded by John Cohen. 0:38

The woman’s voice sounds as if she is young and innocent, so it was surprising to discover that the chorus of the song translates to “What a fool I was, stupid fool” to serve as warning about marriage rather than a celebration. 

9. China, ch’in, “Flowing Streams,” performed by Kuan P’ing-hu. 7:37

The sounds of this string instrument were unique. The guqin is a seven string musical instrument from China that is plucked. The quaint sounds emanate the calm of the flowing streams. 

10. India, raga, “Jaat Kahan Ho,” sung by Surshri Kesar Bai Kerkar. 3:30

The translation of the title in English “Where are you going along, girl?” features an Indian female vocalist. The woman speaks as if she is relaying imparting wisdom onto the younger generation.