The Paul Winter Consort has incorporated the sounds of wild creatures in its music since the 1960s. In this piece the band leader talks about what the sounds mean to him. We also hear from and orchestra concertmaster about playing with the sounds of the wild. Public radio personality and host of the annual Paul Winter Consort Winter Solstice concert, John Schaefer also offers his perspective on Paul Winter's approach to music. A version of this story was first produced in 1999 and offered to Great Lakes Radio Consortium stations. It has been re-written, shortened and produced in stereo for this release.
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Piece Description
The Paul Winter Consort has incorporated the sounds of wild creatures in its music since the 1960s. In this piece the band leader talks about what the sounds mean to him. We also hear from and orchestra concertmaster about playing with the sounds of the wild. Public radio personality and host of the annual Paul Winter Consort Winter Solstice concert, John Schaefer also offers his perspective on Paul Winter's approach to music. A version of this story was first produced in 1999 and offered to Great Lakes Radio Consortium stations. It has been re-written, shortened and produced in stereo for this release.
5 Comments
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Review of Paul Winter Consort and the Sounds of NatureAn interesting story, especially if you don't know much about Paul Winter (as was the case for this reviewer). The use of Winter's music to underscore the piece provides an appreciated throughline. I enjoyed the distinction drawn between Winter's music and the "new-agey, mood-setting, nature, music CDs popular in the discount stores." It's a shame that the Shaefer interview had to be conducted over the phone. The contrast between the phone interview and the high quality clips of Winter's music and the rest of the piece is jarring. Paul Winter offers concise insights into his style and techniques. Lester Graham's voice is well-suited for the tone of this piece. |
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Review of Paul Winter Consort and the Sounds of NatureHad I heard this first on the air instead of on PRX I would have gone searching for more information on Paul Winter and on this program. Superb, mature reporting on Winter's magical intersection of music, nature and sound. We've seen animals sing in Disney animation; Winter invites real animals into his consort and respectfully jams. Where Disney makes fish, birds and mammals faux humans, Winter shows the kinship in sound, the shared source of chanting, singing, and horns. This piece would be great in any season. |
Broadcast History
A different, longer, mono version of this story was offered to Great Lakes Radio Consortium stations in 1999.
Transcript
Music often imitates nature. Flutes trill like birds. Cymbals crash and drums thunder like storms.
One musician is taking it a step further by actually harmonizing with nature. Lester Graham reports on that artist?s life-long pursuit of musical communion with the earth and its creatures?
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(open w/ whale song)
Paul Winter first heard a recording of whale-song in the early 1960s. He was struck by the intricacy of the songs. Right around the same time Winter also became fascinated by wolves. As a jazz musician, Winter began hearing the whale-song and wolf-howls? bird calls and dolphin cries not just as sounds of the wild? but as musical themes. He calls it a symphony of nature. He began composing variations on those themes? and then echoing nature on his saxophone.
(LULLABY)
In 1967 he found li...
Read the full transcript
Musical Works
Lullaby from the Great Mother Whale for the Baby Seal Pups, Paul Winter, Jim Scott, Humpback whale (Living Earth Music, BMI)
Canyon Chaconne, Paul Winter, Paul Halley (Living Earth Music, BMI)
Wolf Eyes, Timber Wolf, Paul Winter David Darling (Living Earth Music, BMI)
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Steve Zerefos
Posted on April 26, 2005 at 06:26 AM | Permalink
Review of Paul Winter Consort and the Sounds of Nature
A well done piece exploring a skilled musician's efforts to link his music to the sounds of the wilderness. The samples of music in the wild are captivating and the earnest reach of Mr. Winter has an honesty that comes through strongly.