ID#: 586

Whale Fall (2025); 5:39

by Yufen Qiu
Nagoya University of Arts

In the deep ocean, when a whale reaches the end of its life, its body slowly descends to the seabed, sustaining countless marine creatures and forming a unique ecosystem. This phenomenon is known as “whale fall”, a process where death gives birth to new life. “Whale Fall” is a composition for cello, harp, and electronic music. The cello represents the end of the whale’s life, the harp symbolizes hope and renewal, while electronic music sculpts these sounds into an immersive underwater soundscape, transporting listeners into the depths of the ocean. Music is not only an exploration of natural life cycles but also a process of sonic reinvention. Through electronic manipulation, the sounds of acoustic instruments are reshaped into fluid, underwater-like textures, mirroring how a whale fall creates a new ecosystem. This transformation reflects the way different sounds take on new meanings in new environments.