This task feels overwhelming, as I feel responsible for representing the human race to aliens. I am amazed at how one even begins to select different modes of expression, including music, to describe the human world. Initially, I wouldn’t know where to start. Upon reviewing the list, I noticed a particular emphasis on certain regions and their musical traditions, especially Western classical music (e.g., Bach, Beethoven, Mozart) and European musical heritage. Despite these limitations, the record is a remarkable effort to capture a broad spectrum of human musical expression and cultural heritage. If I were to select 10 music pieces from the list, I would choose one song for each continent and four songs that reflect the diversity and complexity of human emotions.

1. Africa

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

2. Asia

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

3. Australia/Oceania

Australia, Aborigine songs, “Morning Star” and “Devil Bird,” recorded by Sandra LeBrun Holmes. 1:26

4. Europe

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

5. North America

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

6. South America

Peru, panpipes and drum, collected by Casa de la Cultura, Lima. 0:52

7. Joy and Happiness

Mexico, “El Cascabel,” performed by Lorenzo Barcelata and the Mariachi México. 3:14

8. Melancholy and Sorrow

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

9. Complexity and Multifacetedness

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

10. Strength and Resilience

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

 

I chose to select music based on six continents and the remaining selections to describe various human emotions to ensure a comprehensive representation of both cultural diversity and the complexity of human experience. I wanted to include a wide geographical spectrum by selecting one song from each continent.

In addition to geographic diversity, I wanted to capture a range of human emotions through music. I believe the four aspects of human emotions, namely Joy/Happiness, sorrow, strength and weakness (in this case, how complicated humans are) can showcase a glimpse of the human world to those who may attempt to understand us.