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Response to Rothenbergs Whale Music Future of American Music

Future of American Music

Lecturer: Mr. Prof. Dr. Herzogenrath

Student: Ahmad Deyhimi 7167063

10 Hearing Responses for the Hausarbeit

Response to a piece of work by David Rothenberg – “Whale Music.”

Listening to Rothenberg's "Whale Music" created a sense of unease and anxiety in my ears. Although some find Rothenberg's "Whale Music" to be fascinating and insightful, exploring the songs of whales and the emotional and cultural significance of these sounds, I find creating pieces of music might create false interpretations and influences, as we should be careful not to project our own human biases onto these creatures. The sounds whales make have a communicative function. Therefore they are unlikely to have the same emotional or cultural significance that Rothenberg suggests. However, Adam's "Whale Music" showcases a unique and creative approach to exploring the sounds of nature. Like Adam's "Becoming Ocean," Rothenberg has attempted to encourage people to consider the impact of human activities on the natural world and to seek ways to live in greater harmony with the creatures with whom we share the planet. While there may be disagreements about the interpretation and significance of whale songs, "Whale Music" is an essential and thought-provoking contribution to the fields of music, philosophy, and environmentalism. Even though "Whale Music" is not my taste in music, I still see it as a rich and multi-layered work that challenges readers to think deeply about the nature of communication, culture, and our place in the world. So from personal experience, scientific inquiry, and philosophical reflection, what hides behind the piece makes it a compelling and thought-provoking composition. It motivates us to explore the wonders of the natural world in new and exciting ways.

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