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Listening Report – John Luther Adams: Become Ocean

The composition “Become Ocean” by John Luther Adams was published in 2014. The composition shows a strong resemblance to the ocean itself on an aural and visual level. The listener could interpret the certain sounds and movements of the orchestra as waves and their intensity.

The composition starts with sounds that cause a rather dystopian ambience due to the use of low, bass-heavy sounds which could resemble uncalm waves. Using rather high-pitch sounds, the image of an ocean in the process of calming down comes in mind for the listener. A constant switch between phases of peace and chaos is noticeable, caused by the use of certain sounds. This has a calming, yet dramatic effect for me in the position as a listener since the composition contains a steady switch between the phases, but also has subtle differences after each period of ocean phases.

A dramatic entry of cymbal-like sounds can evoke the image of a major change that is happening in the ocean, such as an increase in sea level as a consequence of climate change. Even though the composition returns to its’ normal phases, the image of a steady flow of waves changes due to the increase of speed by the harp player. After the dramatic entry, the listener is also able to see the waves through the arm movements by the orchestra. Another effect of the dramatic entry seems to be an increase of intensity of the ocean phases. The listener can interpret the higher intensity of sea phases through a longer play-time of each phase.

The composition takes a rather dark turn through a heavier use of lower bass instruments and sounds. Due to the knowledge about the composition being a message about the environment and a call for action against the rise of sea levels, I as a listener got reminded of the message through a dystopian future filled with death because of climate change and a heavy rise in sea levels.


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