Since his groundbreaking work with leading rock 'n' roll bands of the 1960s, Bernie Krause has remained at the forefront of sound engineering. The soundscape artist, synthesiser pioneer and environmental activist's latest project is an immersive audiovisual experience that serves as a visceral wake-up call about the ongoing destruction of natural habitats.
A multisensory tour de force, The Great Animal Orchestra, playing at San Francisco's Exploratorium until October 15, draws on Krause's decades spent recording 5,000 hours of animal sounds. In that time, almost 70 per cent of the habitats he has recorded have gone silent or extinct.
“The Great Animal Orchestra reveals a profound loss of biodiversity due to climate change and human impact – I hope it will inspire individual agency or even collective action to protect our fragile ecosystems,” says the Exploratorium’s executive director Lindsay Bierman.
He thinks showing the project at a museum that puts equal emphasis on art and science is particularly poignant today. “As a self-described museum of art, science and human perception, I can't think of a better place to present this immersive experience to visitors of such diverse ages, backgrounds, perspectives and identities than here.”
For the show, Krause collaborated with Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain in Paris, where the audiovisual experience launched in 2016. Various stops in Europe and Asia followed, with a show at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, coming after that. It's now making its west coast debut in San Francisco.
Pulled from Krause’s archive of recordings spanning decades, the experience occupies a 1,500-square-foot space with a shallow pool installed across the gallery floor. From deafening howls to mysterious pockets of silence, the sounds play to the universe’s daily equilibrium, mainly unbothered by human intervention.
The 98-minute-long score of animal sounds also features radiant light-filled spectrograms, created with the help of British artist Matt Clark of the collective United Visual Artists.
Strips of colour envelop the dimly lit gallery in neon shades and monochromatic abstractions that leave ample room for the rich soundscape to breathe. The sonic immersion traverses Krause’s half-century-long audio material – from Alaska to Africa – with sounds from at least 15,000 terrestrial or marine species.
Known for his collaborations with artists such as The Doors, Mick Jagger and Brian Eno throughout the 1960s, as well as spearheading the Moog synthesiser’s popularity in mainstream music, Krause first began immersing himself in his home town Bay Area’s natural orchestra for inspiration in the 1970s – exploring and recording its natural environments.
His initial encounters led to an album titled In a Wild Sanctuary in 1970 with his Moog collaborator Paul Beaver – named after Wild Sanctuary, an organisation he founded with his wife Katherine two years prior, dedicated to archiving natural soundscapes. After receiving his PhD in Creative Sound Arts in 1981, he gradually left music and began completely focusing on soundscapes.
“The expressions of the natural world speak to me personally – when I started recording the healthy habitats decades ago, I physically felt stronger and more present,” he tells The National.
Working on the soundtracks for films such as Rosemary’s Baby (1968) and Apocalypse Now (1979) has also had an unexpected influence on Krause’s soundscapes. “In films, sound and music are the last component added to the media, but here we turned the concept on its head: sounds lead the vision.”
The main difference he finds between his work in Hollywood and the natural world is what he calls “the cultural bias". He adds: "Nature’s sounds are telling their own story without any bias.”
As time went on, Krause noticed the story was one of environmental decay. “Most of those habitats can no longer be heard in their original form; they are either unrecognisable or completely gone.”
Krause initially turned his 50-year journey of chronicling this drastic environmental deterioration into a 2012 book titled The Great Animal Orchestra. About his decision to present his research in art form, he says: “If I wrote a scientific paper, maybe six colleagues would read it, but when I use the scientific data and recordings in another medium, like art, the message eloquently speaks for itself.”
Krause, 85, considers the book “a story of how animals have taught us to dance and sing, with a rich narrative". Before the project took on its final phase as an immersive art installation, Krause also collaborated with the BBC on a ballet for Alonzo King Lines Ballet in San Francisco called Biophony – a term he coined to describe the collective symphonic soundscapes of the world's natural habitat.
“We are allowing the animals, who are the real artists, to express themselves, and what they are expressing is loud, clear and unassailable,” Krause says. “We cannot argue with our effect on that.”
The installation is framed by a dark, reflective pool of water, which runs alongside the walls, opening up the space considerably, and helping viewers to grasp the low-frequency components of certain phenomena, such as the sounds and natural vocalisations of oceans or thunder. While the streaming graphics are projected on to the walls and reflected by the mass of water, these inaudible elements are captured on the liquid surface as visible vibrations.
Beyond the beautiful green, red and blue washes of light colouring the placid water, the work is a wake-up call. The alarming rate of loss of the project’s subjects echoes through the high-pitched chirps of birds, the squeaking whirrs of insects and dominating howls of mammals.
The venue is also a fitting place for Krause, who began the Great Animal Orchestra journey charting the devastation of the region's rich natural habitats first-hand. In 2017, he and his wife lost most of their belongings and some archives due to a wildfire – something they have mourned alongside the loss of the natural surroundings.
Krause invites viewers to take their time and listen to what the universe that is free from human intervention is saying. “The sound of the natural world has been diminishing very quickly since the fall of the Berlin Wall,” he says.
“The narrative sound comes from all organisms, birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and amphibians.”
Krause says the ideal time to record soundscapes is at dawn – when birds and insects are most vocally active. However, he notes the death of three billion birds in North America since the 1970s and the disappearance of 70 per cent of the insects in Germany, as cited in a recent study in the journal Science as signs of an impending catastrophe.
“We have seen a tremendous drop [at this time of day] and already had two complete silent springs this year."
It is precisely that growing silence that helps the show's message come through louder than ever.
The Great Animal Orchestra is playing at San Francisco's Exploratorium until October 15. More information is at www.fondationcartier.com
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Nepotism is the name of the game
Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.
Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
The specs: 2018 Jeep Compass
Price, base: Dh100,000 (estimate)
Engine: 2.4L four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 184bhp at 6,400rpm
Torque: 237Nm at 3,900rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 9.4L / 100km
The specs
Engine 60kwh FWD
Battery Rimac 120kwh Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2) chemistry
Power 204hp Torque 360Nm
Price, base / as tested Dh174,500
Like a Fading Shadow
Antonio Muñoz Molina
Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez
Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPAD%20PRO%20(12.9%22%2C%202022)
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FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
RESULTS
6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 1 (PA) $49,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner RB Frynchh Dude, Pat Cosgrave (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
7.05pm Al Bastakiya Trial – Conditions (TB) $50,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner El Patriota, Vagner Leal, Antonio Cintra
7.40pm Zabeel Turf – Listed (TB) $88,000 (Turf) 2,000m
Winner Ya Hayati, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby
8.15pm Cape Verdi – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Althiqa, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
8.50pm UAE 1000 Guineas – Listed (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Soft Whisper, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
9.25pm Handicap (TB) $68,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Bedouin’s Story, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: SimpliFi
Started: August 2021
Founder: Ali Sattar
Based: UAE
Industry: Finance, technology
Investors: 4DX, Rally Cap, Raed, Global Founders, Sukna and individuals
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo
Power: 374hp at 5,500-6,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm from 1,900-5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.5L/100km
Price: from Dh285,000
On sale: from January 2022
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
Company%20Profile
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THREE
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Nayla%20Al%20Khaja%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Jefferson%20Hall%2C%20Faten%20Ahmed%2C%20Noura%20Alabed%2C%20Saud%20Alzarooni%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Results
Women finals: 48kg - Urantsetseg Munkhbat (MGL) bt Distria Krasniqi (KOS); 52kg - Odette Guiffrida (ITA) bt Majlinda Kelmendi (KOS); 57kg - Nora Gjakova (KOS) bt Anastasiia Konkina (Rus)
Men’s finals: 60kg - Amiran Papinashvili (GEO) bt Francisco Garrigos (ESP); 66kg - Vazha Margvelashvili (Geo) bt Yerlan Serikzhanov (KAZ)
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESupy%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2021%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDani%20El-Zein%2C%20Yazeed%20bin%20Busayyis%2C%20Ibrahim%20Bou%20Ncoula%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFood%20and%20beverage%2C%20tech%2C%20hospitality%20software%2C%20Saas%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBootstrapped%20for%20six%20months%3B%20pre-seed%20round%20of%20%241.5%20million%3B%20seed%20round%20of%20%248%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBeco%20Capital%2C%20Cotu%20Ventures%2C%20Valia%20Ventures%20and%20Global%20Ventures%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Saudi Cup race day
Schedule in UAE time
5pm: Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Cup (Turf), 5.35pm: 1351 Cup (T), 6.10pm: Longines Turf Handicap (T), 6.45pm: Obaiya Arabian Classic for Purebred Arabians (Dirt), 7.30pm: Jockey Club Handicap (D), 8.10pm: Samba Saudi Derby (D), 8.50pm: Saudia Sprint (D), 9.40pm: Saudi Cup (D)
The years Ramadan fell in May
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
