Whale Song - An Oratorio for Children - Piano/VOCAL SCORE

Alaska, October 1988. A trio of grey whales are trapped within a small patch of coastal sea which is rapidly freezing over. Local people try to cut a passage through the ice but their resources cannot cope. American forces are drafted in to help - and with them come news reporters and TV cameras. The race against time becomes serious and, in a rare example of East-West collaboration, a Soviet ice-breaker joins the struggle. The smallest whale disappears before the completion of a passage - which then freezes over again before the others have reached the end. The assumption is that they find open sea but no-one can ever be sure. Whale Song recounts this remarkable true story as a musical parable of the benefits of co-operation and trust.

Suggested Age Range : 8 to 15. Running Time : 35 minutes. Music : Piano accompaniment throughout, best enhanced by bass or bass guitar; alternatively a synthesizer may be used. Essential parts for four percussion players (mostly Latin American or Orff-type). Parts are also available for 2 recorders, 2 flutes, 2 clarinets, 2 violins, 'cello and electronic keyboard. Set : Minimal. Can be performed as a concert piece or staged using lighting effects or with an Arctic backdrop.

For Chorus Part click here
For Rehearsal Cassette (piano accompaniment suitable for rehearsal only) click here
For Performance Cassette (full orchestrated backing track) click here