Ocean World
Who cares what becomes of the ocean?
Man has always been fascinated by the sea, that mysterious world that he can only visit as a spectator. But today, his desire to exploit the earth's resources for his immediate benefit is leading inexorably to the destruction of all marine life. Ocean World issues a cry for help on behalf of the inhabitants of the sea. A female humpback whale invites us into her underwater home and introduces some of the other creatures with whom she shares the ocean. We observe her joy as her new-born calf arrives and the two begin the journey to northern feeding grounds.
Man's threatening presence soon becomes apparent, however. Coral mining, whaling ships, commercial fishing vessels, oil spillages and domestic, industrial and nuclear wastes - under this combined assault, the ocean simply cannot sustain the quantity and variety of life it holds. The message is clear and simple: if man continues to misuse the sea, he will destroy the life in it.
Instrumentation:
3/4 Flutes, 2 Bb Clarinets, 1 Bass Clarinet, 2 Alto Saxophones, 1 Tenor Saxophone
3 Bb Trumpets, 2 French Horns, 3 Trombones, 1 Eb Bass
Electric Rhythm Guitar, Classical/Acoustic Guitar, Electric Bass
(String) Synthesiser, Piano
Timpani, African Drum, Bass Drum, Drum Kit
Snare Drum, Cymbals, Tam Tam
Xylophone,Vibraphone, Glockenspiel, Tambourine, Bell Tree
Chinese "trashy" Cymbal, Triangle, Bongos, Congas, Maracas, Cabasa, Wood Block, Siren Whistle
Details of Publications currently available:
Piano/Vocal Score is on sale from Presto Music
Chorus Book is on sale from Presto Music
Word Book is on sale from Presto Music
Full Score and Stage Band parts available on hire from Joseph Weinberger Ltd.
Performing the Musical:
If you are considering a performance and would like to know more about licensing details and hire of parts, please contact
Recordings and Additional Resources:
A CD performed by the Choir and Musicians of St. Augustine's RC High School, and narrated by Sir David Attenborough is available by contacting Alex Dangerfield at Josef Weinberger Ltd. An archive DVD of the Channel 4 "Fragile Earth" recording, narrated by Sir David Attenborough is also available.
For purchasing mp3 download files of each song from the CD: click here
Television Appearances:
Ocean World was shown on Channel 4's Fragile Earth series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
Youtube Videos (from Channel 4's Fragile Earth):
Enigma of the Deep/My World Turtle Evacuation Love Song of the Diatom Cousin Dolphin Creatures of Coral Coral Cacophony
New Life Man-Made Hell Precious Life
Other Youtube Videos
Part 1: Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 So Small Love Song of the Diatom Singers and dancers from Wokingham District
Primary Schools
Turtle: Andrea Tushingham Sensuous Soul : Wigan Youth Choir Poisoned Waters: Woodbridge Abbey Chapel Choir
Excerpts (below) from the Royal Albert Hall performance by children from schools in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the English Chamber Orchestra and Soloists and specially invited orchestral players from the Royal College of Music.
