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This was a very interesting exercise. Curating the full list of 27 tracks down to 10 certainly wasn’t easy, and as I worked through the list I found myself editing my choices several times over. One thing I noticed right away is that it would be impossible to avoid my own personal biases when making my selections. Music is far too personal an experience, and any attempt to relate these pieces to my personal experience of the human condition is bound to reflect my own attitudes and beliefs. With that in mind, I simply chose to acknowledge that my bias would be present, and choose the ten tracks which I would personally want to launch into outer space as an introduction to humanity to the rest of the universe. So without further ado…

Java, court gamelan, “Kinds of Flowers,” recorded by Robert Brown. 4:43

I thought this was a fitting introduction to the record, as it provides a vivid description of the flora and fauna of the planet it originates from. It could invoke imagery of our environment in the listener, providing some context for the remaining tracks. It’s also Carl Sagan’s favorite track, and that fact alone merit’s it’s inclusion.

“Johnny B. Goode,” written and performed by Chuck Berry. 2:38

For me, this one had to make the list as it’s really the only example of modern, contemporary music. As such, it sounds very different from other pieces on the record, and I think it could give the listener an idea of how music on earth has evolved over the years.

Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F. First Movement, Munich Bach Orchestra, Karl Richter, conductor. 4:40

I really appreciated how the podcast pointed out that this piece was included due to it’s mathematical elements. Obviously, we’d have to assume that any potential audience likely does not speak English (or any other human language) but math is universal. I think there’s a good chance that any advanced civilization would analyze the recording mathematically, so including this track is a good idea, and a reminder that not all forms of communication have to be traditional language.

“Dark Was the Night,” written and performed by Blind Willie Johnson. 3:15

I’m a big fan of Blind Willie Johnson and early American Blues, so this one is included for personal reasons. I appreciated how the podcast pointed out that they also wanted to “make a good record” when selecting their tracks. Based on that, this one has to be included.

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

I chose to include this selection due to it’s minimalist nature. I like the idea of basically just a single instrument performance. In a sense this is an expression of music as a solitary pursuit, which I feel it is for many people, myself included.

Georgian S.S.R., chorus, “Tchakrulo,” collected by Radio Moscow. 2:18

In contrast to the previous selection, the inclusion of this track shows the power of music as many voices coming together in harmony. The song is also a call to action, which I feel is very important- music can be a solitary pursuit, but it can also have a collective purpose, and this is a fine example of that.

Mozart, The Magic Flute, Queen of the Night aria, no. 14. Edda Moser, soprano. Bavarian State Opera, Munich, Wolfgang Sawallisch, conductor. 2:55

I think the list wouldn’t be complete without a little bit of opera. This track really demonstrates the power of the human voice, which is really the first instrument. Here, the orchestra serves to support the singer’s voice, and being an opera, the voice doesn’t just sing a song, but it tells a story. I’m not the biggest opera fan, but it’s a fine example of how music can be utilized to weave a narrative, so I felt this one was important to include.

Beethoven, Fifth Symphony, First Movement, the Philharmonia Orchestra, Otto Klemperer, conductor. 7:20

I suppose it’s subject, but in my personal opinion, this is probably the most well-known piece of music, so I chose to include it in my curation of ten. The opening bars are iconic- I feel that most people, particularly in what we refer to as “western civilization” could probably identify the piece within the first few moments.

Senegal, percussion, recorded by Charles Duvelle. 2:08

I felt it was important to include this track because it’s a great example of how music doesn’t necessarily have to be based on melody or harmony, but can be rooted in rhythm. The use of percussion instruments really makes this one stand out, and it illustrates how music is experienced very differently across cultures on our planet.

“Melancholy Blues,” performed by Louis Armstrong and his Hot Seven. 3:05

I really liked how the podcast mentioned that this track was a representation of the lonely voyage that the spacecraft would be taking, so I chose to include it. I also think we could extend that metaphor to our planet earth, which is on a lonely voyage in our own solar system, and the only planet with intelligent life that we are aware of. Broadly speaking, I think this shows how music can be used to represent bigger ideas, and that’s very important.

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