When narrowing my own list for the Golden Record, I used 3 different criteria when deciding which tracks to include. First, I wanted to include a track because of its musicality and strong mathematical foundation. For example, as mentioned in the podcast, track 1 represents different rhythms and time scales which might be more in tune with how aliens would analyze the track. It is beautiful from both a musical and analytical point of view. Secondly, I was intentional in choosing tracks that have lyrics. Tracks 2-5 have words from different languages and are from different genres of music. There is a mariachi band, rock track, opera, and chant. Thirdly, tracks 6-10 are instrumental and are diverse in their representation of different cultures. Some of the tracks include more soft and melodic sounds while others have more jarring sounds. Overall, I wanted to include a variety of tracks with language and sounds found on Earth. As mentioned in the podcast, we don’t know how aliens might interpret our music. They might only be able to hear the different frequencies or beats. Their appreciation of our music might come from a perspective we are not yet aware of!

1. Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F. First Movement, Munich Bach Orchestra, Karl Richter, conductor. 4:40
2. México, “El Cascabel,” performed by Lorenzo Barcelata and the Mariachi México. 3:14
3. “Johnny B. Goode,” written and performed by Chuck Berry. 2:38
4. Mozart, The Magic Flute, Queen of the Night aria, no. 14. Edda Moser, soprano. Bavarian State Opera, Munich, Wolfgang Sawallisch, conductor. 2:55
5. Georgian S.S.R., chorus, “Tchakrulo,” collected by Radio Moscow. 2:18
6. Australia, Aborigine songs, “Morning Star” and “Devil Bird,” recorded by Sandra LeBrun Holmes. 1:26
7. New Guinea, men’s house song, recorded by Robert MacLennan. 1:20
8. Japan, shakuhachi, “Tsuru No Sugomori” (“Crane’s Nest,”) performed by Goro Yamaguchi. 4:51
9. Azerbaijan S.S.R., bagpipes, recorded by Radio Moscow. 2:30
10. Bulgaria, “Izlel je Delyo Hagdutin,” sung by Valya Balkanska. 4:59

Reference:

McDonald, L. (Executive Producer). (2019-present). Voyager Golden Record [Audio podcast]. Defacto Sound. https://www.20k.org/episodes/voyagergoldenrecord