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Monday, November 14, 2011

Documentary: David Rothenberg - Why Birds Sing


Why Birds Sing (15:01) BBC. Inspired by musician and eco-philosopher David Rothenberg's book of the same title, this documentary explores the intriguing, charming, complex and often conflicting theories on why birds sing like they do and why humans are so attracted to the sound.

The film features contributions from musicians including Laurie Anderson, Jarvis Cocker and Beth Orton; enlightening and often startling analysis from some of the world's most eminent birdsong scientists; a literary guide to birdsong in poetry; a bizarre birdsong-themed art 'happening'; the creation of a new musical composition from the Afro-Celt Sound System, entirely made up of manipulated birdsongs; and a strange musical duet at New York's Bronx Aviary, featuring humans and birds.

Filmed in the forests, aviaries, studios and laboratories of England, Germany and the USA, this is a colourful, entertaining, informative and occasionally weird journey through the songs of nature that have enchanted and perplexed humans for thousands of years. Produced by the BBC.

Related Videos

David Rothernberg Interspecies Musician and Philosopher (3:50) NJIT. Dr. David Rothenberg, best-selling author and acclaimed clarinetist, discusses his work researching animal communication, bird song, and music. His interest is in bridging art and science. Rothenberg received his PhD from Boston University and his BA from Harvard University. Produced by the New Jersey Institute of Technolgoy.

Source: YouTube

Bird Songs (2:1) PBS. Scientist and musician David Rothenberg takes discussion of bird songs a step further than biological imperative, and recognizes these tunes distinct to each species as music. Rothenberg is a professor of philosophy and music at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, with a special interest in animal sounds as music. He is also a jazz musician whose books and CDs reflect a longtime interest in understanding other species by making music with them. Reference: David Rothenberg Why Birds Sing: A Journey Into the Mystery of Bird Song (Basic Books, 2005)




Source: PBS

1 comment:

  1. Birds do sing for the pleasure of singing. There is music in its singing.Thats what Prof.David Rothenberg tries to prove. I have composed quite a lot of music using natural bird sounds to show the world , how birds can take up the honours of the best musician award.
    Here are is a link to one of them.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFf54tCyQak

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