Call of the Deep

sextet

Duration: 9' 30''

Premiered by Standing Wave Ensemble

as part of Compocon 2024

Christie Reside (fl.) AK Coope (cl.) Vern Griffiths (perc.) 

Allen Stiles (pno.) Rebecca Whitling (vln.) Christian Markos (vc.) 

The Annex, Vancouver, Feb 24, 2025

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I came across a short video that talked about mysteries of the deep sea. This is where I
encountered the phenomenon 'Call of the Deep', a peculiar psychological phenomenon that occurs when deep sea divers inexplicably dive straight down towards the depths of the ocean, and never return to the surface. Many divers have seen their friends and family plunge to their deaths, often describing a disturbing smile on their face before they descend. Others say they hear a strange sound or voice calling them to the darkness, which gave way to the name 'Call of the Deep'.

 

This piece puts the listener into the perspective of the diver. We start off floating high by the
surface peacefully, a diatonic environment where each motif and melodic line is soothing and
simplistic. Suddenly, we hear the 'Call of the Deep' from the percussionist, and then we slowly
descend into a new environment with slight disturbances, although we don't feel that they're there. The dissonances, and abrupt crashes grow multitudinous, but by the time we realize the darkness around us, its too late and we are in the depths of the ocean. As we search for the surface, the music pulls us into different directions, with constantly shifting harmonies and distonant melodies disorienting the aural environment. And just as we think were headed up to the surface, the music reveals that we ended up in the bottom of the ocean, where subtle unpitched lines, and the sound of our own breaths die out, slowly being suffocated by endless darkness.

 

This anomaly made me think not so much about divers, but about people and their problems.
Sometimes when people are dealing with mental issues, are in an emotionally triggering situation or have toxic people around them, it's difficult to determine right from wrong. I find it essential to tell this story especially to the young adults of my generation who often experience anxiety, insecurity and other confusion emotions or situations. It's my wish with this piece to advocate for you, and raise awareness to this relevant issue in our lives. But more importantly to let you know that there is always a way out, into a better place.