In a groundbreaking collaboration between legendary Police drummer Stewart Copeland and esteemed British naturalist Martyn Stewart, a mesmerizing fusion of nature sounds and orchestral music has emerged in the form of the album Wild Concerto. This innovative project showcases a harmonious blend of Arctic tern calls, wildlife sounds, and intricate musical compositions, creating a multi-dimensional soundscape that captivates the senses.
The genesis of Wild Concerto stems from Copeland’s creative genius and Stewart’s vast collection of field recordings, culminating in a transformative musical experience that transcends traditional boundaries. Drawing upon Stewart’s extensive archive of natural sounds, Copeland masterfully integrates these raw, unaltered recordings into a symphonic tapestry, weaving together a melodic narrative that resonates with authenticity and depth.
In an interview with The Guardian, Copeland expressed his approach to incorporating nature into music, emphasizing the unadulterated beauty of the animal and bird sounds featured in the album. He explained, “All the bird and animal sounds are exactly as they were, but I put them in positions so that they add up to a melody and rhythm. Instead of sopranos and tenors, I’m working with hyenas, wolves, and a chorus of birds. Their voices bring an unparalleled authenticity to the music.”
The thematic core of Wild Concerto revolves around the Arctic to Antarctica migration of Arctic terns, offering a poignant reflection on the interconnectedness of nature and music. Stewart’s meticulous recordings, which have been featured in renowned natural history documentaries and films, serve as a testament to the fragile beauty of the natural world and the urgent need for conservation.
As Copeland delves deeper into the intricate musical arrangements of the album, he unveils a symphonic landscape unlike anything seen before, with elements like a frog-saxophone duet and a piano nocturne accompanied by the haunting call of an Asian barred owlet. The interplay of diverse sounds, ranging from the ethereal winds of Antarctica to the soulful howls of wolves, creates a rich tapestry of sonic textures that evoke a sense of wonder and awe.
The profound impact of Wild Concerto extends beyond the realm of music, shedding light on the plight of endangered species and the looming threat of noise pollution that imperils their existence. Stewart, often hailed as “the David Attenborough of sound,” underscores the urgent need to preserve the voices of these species before they vanish, emphasizing the critical role of art and music in raising awareness and fostering conservation efforts.
In a poignant gesture of stewardship, Stewart has donated his extensive archive of recordings to the nonprofit organization The Listening Planet, which aims to promote conservation, celebrate biodiversity, and advocate for the preservation of nature’s voice. Through initiatives like Wild Concerto, Stewart and Copeland seek to inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world and ignite a sense of urgency in safeguarding its diverse ecosystems.
The forthcoming release of Wild Concerto on Platoon Records in April marks a significant milestone in the intersection of music and nature, offering audiences a transformative experience that transcends conventional boundaries. As Copeland prepares for a nationwide tour in October, the legacy of Wild Concerto serves as a testament to the enduring power of art and music in fostering environmental awareness and inspiring action.
In the words of Copeland, “The synergy is amazing. I picked out sounds that I felt were the soloists, like the wolves, and others that were more atmospheric, like the wild winds of Antarctica, and treated them in a similar way to a trombone or a guitar… The wolves are howling with great soul, great passion, and accompanied by a trombone following their line. It’s jazz, the jazz wolf of the Arctic tundra.”
As the world eagerly anticipates the release of Wild Concerto and the transformative journey it promises to deliver, the profound connection between nature and music emerges as a powerful testament to the enduring beauty of the natural world and the boundless creative spirit of humanity.
