ID#: 471

Seascape Serenity (2024) ; 7:22

by Yu Chia Kuo 

McGill University

“Seascape Serenity” invites listeners into the hidden acoustic landscapes of Taiwan’s underwater ecosystems, blending the natural symphony of marine life with the unsettling presence of human activity. Drawing from hydrophone recordings collected by the Ocean Biodiversity Listening Project, the composition captures the fragile interplay between vibrant ecosystems and the disruptions caused by anthropogenic noise. Through sound, it unfolds as a poignant meditation on the beauty and vulnerability of the ocean. The work transitions through diverse soundscapes: from tranquil riverside waters and bamboo rafts to the vast open ocean, where natural sounds collide with human-induced disturbances such as shipping, diving, and wind farm construction. Granular synthesis and spatialization techniques recreate the subtle textures of coral reefs, hydrothermal vents, and deep-sea environments, immersing listeners in the dynamic rhythms of underwater life. Simulated biosonar clicks mirror the navigation and communication of marine species, drawing the audience into the intricate lives of underwater creatures. Real-time spatialization with Spat enhances the sense of proximity and movement, creating an immersive 3D sonic experience. The journey culminates in themes of renewal, with the reemergence of animal calls near Taiwan’s eastern coast symbolizing restoration and resilience. Gentle harmonic progressions, melodic motifs, and dynamic flourishes contrast earlier turmoil, offering a reflective moment on the ocean’s splendor and fragility. Blending ecological insight with contemporary music technology, Seascape Serenity transforms bioacoustic data into an evocative auditory experience. It invites audiences to reflect on the interweaving of human activity and the natural world, using music as a lens to explore themes of conservation, coexistence, and the delicate balance of life beneath the waves.