You’re probably familiar with the eerie, beautiful noise that researchers call "whale song."
It’s the haunting language that many species of whale use to communicate. For humans, it’s an alien form of music that seems to strike an instinctive chord in our hearts.
When Australian telecom company Optus began investigating ways to explore the concept of communication, they latched onto the idea of whale song as a profound form of interaction that helps humans to better understand these majestic animals.
They decided to try to create a piece of orchestral music that used instruments to recreate the call of a humpback whale. Once the music was written, they took the orchestra out on the water off the island nation of Tonga, to imagine how whales would react to their creation.
This piece of music was designed very specifically to emulate the love songs of humpbacks. In the past five years, scientist have learned more and more about the incredible power of these complex, improvisational songs, which grow and change as they go, just like this talented dancer does.
It’s very likely that at least part of the commercial was staged, so it’s not clear exactly how effective the orchestral music is. Regardless, the melody is a truly haunting homage to some of the most mysterious creatures of the deep, and a lovely tribute to their otherworldly communication skills.
If this beautiful demonstration touched your soul and sent shivers down your spine, please SHARE with all of the nature-lovers in your life!
