[8.2] Task 8: Golden Record Curation Assignment (Mandatory task)

After reflecting alongside the Twenty Thousand Hertz ( 2019), they mention that a sample of earth’s sounds is automatically an exclusion of the majority. With this shift in the frame, I re-listened to the songs, looking for criteria and pieces that encapture more than just their culture or musical origins. It is of note that the Voyager and thus the Golden Record was launched in 1977, and whilst a more progressive stance was taken by including a variety of countries and sounds, it leaned more euro-centric in origin (NASA). I have chosen pieces that follow these criteria: Human Elements, Diversity in Sound, and Acoustic Representations. Each category aims to identify and evaluate the purpose of the song selected, how it further perpetuates the Human Race and how it may be interpreted by others. 

Songs of Choice:

1. Voyager’s Golden Record – Mozart – Queen of the night- Eda Moser

   1. This globally iconic song creates a symphony with both the musical instruments, alongside the human vocal range, conveying emotion to the listener. 

2. Voyager’s Golden Record – Navajo Night Chant – America

   1. Sharing a more natural percussion of human vocal range, as well as the energy that this song perpetuates allows a listener to understand the role that groups hold in our society.

3. Voyager’s Golden Record-Melancholy Blues-L Armstrong&HisHotSeven

   1. A brass-heavy piece, this song shares an experience of emotion and a simple rhythm that may offer a connection to other societies. Additionally, the singer brings a layer of the diversity of sound with his background and pioneering of an upcoming genre. 

4. Voyager’s Golden Record – Johnny B Goode – Chuck Berry

   1. Whilst a popular song, I believe this song remains as it is one of the few representations of a more spoken melody.  Whilst the lyrics are meaningful, it is unlikely that listeners understand the language, however, it is possible the tune and sequence of melody and chorus can express the brevity of the song.

5. Voyager’s Golden Record – Flowing Streams – China

   1. A piece that highlights string instruments, as well as simplicity this song takes listeners on an auditory journey with pleasant and ever-changing tunes. 

6. Voyager’s Golden Record – Tchenhoukoumen, percussion Senegal

   1. A  rhythmic masterpiece, this song shares the story of an upbeat notion. With a hook that allows for each musical instrument to be represented, and one that matches the beat of a fast-paced sequence.

7. Voyager’s Golden Record – Beethoven 5th, part 1, Otto Klemperer

   1. Similar to Mozart, this concerto of music has been replayed and mimicked throughout the decades since. It creates a sense of urgency and shares a story of defeat and triumph, a story known by all regardless of origin. 

8. Voyager’s Golden Record -Cranes in their nest-Japan(Shakuhachi)

   1. Played on a culturally significant instrument, this song mimics the interpretation of wildlife. An elegant moment of flight is shared as the notes rise and fall. This song and this instrument are synonymous for many with tranquillity throughout the world. 

9. Voyager’s Golden Record – Panpipes and drum song – Peru

   1. A melodic wind and percussion tune fill the air, presenting a sense of atmosphere and celebration alongside the song. 

10. Voyager’s Golden Record – Jaat Kahan Ho – India – Surshri

    1. A melodic spoken song shares a story through slow rhythm and string instruments. The voice and melodic moments express a traditional tale.

References

NASA. (n.d.). Voyager – music on the Golden Record. NASA. Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/golden-record/whats-on-the-record/music/