As the name of the work indicates, Vox Balaenae is inspired by whale songs. In the late 1960s, George Crumb heard a recording prepared by an oceanographer of the sounds emitted by the humpback whale… In 1971, Crumb drew his inspiration from these sounds.

Although the piece has 8 movements, they are structurally grouped into three parts: the first movement”…for the beginning of time”, 5 variations named after geological periods, and the last movement”…for the end of time”.

During this performance, musicians are asked to wear black half masks. It is also strongly recommended, as far as possible, that the performance be carried out under blue light.