Escape into the wondrous underwater world of our mammalian roots – human and whale with marimba, bells and SATB choir
Text: D.H. Lawrence
SATB choir, marimba, crotales
Southern right whales have been quietly and wonderfully returning to Australian shores. These giant creatures bring us back to our mammalian roots, the warm-blooded milky world of our beginnings.
In this magically evocative piece, Becky has evoked a dreamy half-remembered world of our watery life in utero. Using D.H. Lawrence’s poem of the same name, Becky smudges the boundaries between human and whale sounds. With the struck and bowed marimba creating unearthly effects, the singers and crotales continue to intermingle as if in an unlimited sonic world. This unusual choral work brings the wondrous world of underwater mammals to listeners in a disarmingly original manner.
Written in 1995, this 14-minute piece suits a large or smaller chamber choir of advanced skill with professional percussionist. It was commissioned by Carl Crossin for the Adelaide Chamber Singers with marimba maestro, Ryszard Pusz.
Listen to a sample of Whales Weep Not! with Adelaide Chamber Singers and Ryszard Pusz
Podcast about Whales Weep Not! with Becky and Grahame Dudley
Video
Whales Weep
Click to enlarge
Where to buy
Whales Weep Not! is available from the iTunes Music Store – Apple Music.
Whales Weep Not! is also on the Move CD, Milerum’s Basket CD can be purchased online through Buywell Music which offers secure online ordering.
The score Whales Weep Not! is normally available at the Australian Music Centre but it is closed because of the coronavirus outbreak. You can read more about Whales Weep Not! at:
You can purchase the score and marimba part directly from Becky by emailing her:
Or contact maestro marimba player, Ryszard Pusz who has made this piece his own and can transform your choir’s performance: Percuszionstudio: harrojadgate2@westnet.com.au