If only Cats could sing: A journey through music inspired by Animals

“Was he an animal, that music could move him so? He felt as if the way to the unknown nourishment he longed for were coming to light.”

― Franz Kafka, the Metamorphosis

 Having watched a few videos of Henri Le Chat Noir and musing about the woes of being a misanthropic cat, I had decided to spend the rest of my afternoon practicing “The Prelude In C Major” one of Bach’s iconic pieces for the Christmas season.

I was in the middle of the second sheet music when Charles decided to jump on the piano keys adding his own sonorous melody to the poignant music. I picked him up and placed him on the lid of my baby grand so he could watch me pay homage to Bach and the spirit of Christmas that has yet to come.




Looking at him perched on top of my piano purring quietly with his eyes closed reminds me of an episode of Tom and Jerry where Tom played Tritsch Tratsch Polka by the flamboyant composer Johann Strauss, the thought of Charles singing like Tom while dancing with his toy mouse had me thinking about music that was inspired by animals.

If Charles can do this, I'll be filthy rich!

It was then that I remembered an article I read about Michael Hearst and his new album Unusual Creatures, Beautiful Sounds, not wanting to pass out another opportunity to go online I immediately scoured youtube to find his music collection and I was impressed with the way he had deftly captured nature and exposed it in all its glory.

Not actually Charles but close enough... he's camera shy

When you hear the album it’s like your ears have been transported into the world of Alice and Wonderland.

 Needless to say I spent my afternoon listening to the entire album and wondering if I can imitate Charles catatonic exuberance into music.










Check out this video:

 
 “Chinese Giant Salamander” written, recorded, performed, and filmed by Michael Hearst with additional camera work by Kelly Eudailey. Featuring Maddie the cat.