Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
With both words and music from Tatiana Riabinkina, ‘From The Ocean’ was inspired by her walks along the seashore, where the waves wash up strange and fascinating sea creatures. On her work, Tatiana says:
“Their unusual shapes often capture our curiosity, yet we rarely think beyond their appearance.
Each of these creatures lived a full life in a vast underwater world—one we can barely comprehend, filled with its own rhythms, connections, and meaning. This piece invites reflection on what lies beyond the surface, not only in nature but also in the way we perceive one another. Just as we marvel at these creatures without truly understanding their existence, we often overlook the depth of the people around us.
And one day, if we too are washed ashore from the ocean of our reality, who will see us—curious about our shapes, yet unaware of the worlds we once inhabited?”
After countless doubts, reflections and changes in the life course
After bitter farewells with loved ones
And tender dawns in each other’s arms
One day I will take one last look at everything I love
Then the momentum will cast me off
The spinning wheel of life
It won’t be hard or painful
The waves of the ocean of reality will wash my body ashore
Strange beings, tall and fire-blooded, will gaze at me in wonder
What a weird creature from the depths of the ocean.
Performed by the Jubilate Singers, conductor Philip Norman, at The Piano, 24 August 2025.
Audio recorded by Alex van den Broek. Filmed and edited by Chris Watson for SOUNZ. Film funded by NZ On Air.
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Learn more about the composers and performers of music from Aotearoa New Zealand on our website (sounz.org.nz), or by following us on Facebook (@SOUNZnz), Instagram (@sounz_nz), or TikTok (@sounz_nz).
#nzmusic
With both words and music from Tatiana Riabinkina, ‘From The Ocean’ was inspired by her walks along the seashore, where the waves wash up strange and fascinating sea creatures. On her work, Tatiana says:
“Their unusual shapes often capture our curiosity, yet we rarely think beyond their appearance.
Each of these creatures lived a full life in a vast underwater world—one we can barely comprehend, filled with its own rhythms, connections, and meaning. This piece invites reflection on what lies beyond the surface, not only in nature but also in the way we perceive one another. Just as we marvel at these creatures without truly understanding their existence, we often overlook the depth of the people around us.
And one day, if we too are washed ashore from the ocean of our reality, who will see us—curious about our shapes, yet unaware of the worlds we once inhabited?”
After countless doubts, reflections and changes in the life course
After bitter farewells with loved ones
And tender dawns in each other’s arms
One day I will take one last look at everything I love
Then the momentum will cast me off
The spinning wheel of life
It won’t be hard or painful
The waves of the ocean of reality will wash my body ashore
Strange beings, tall and fire-blooded, will gaze at me in wonder
What a weird creature from the depths of the ocean.
Performed by the Jubilate Singers, conductor Philip Norman, at The Piano, 24 August 2025.
Audio recorded by Alex van den Broek. Filmed and edited by Chris Watson for SOUNZ. Film funded by NZ On Air.
--
Learn more about the composers and performers of music from Aotearoa New Zealand on our website (sounz.org.nz), or by following us on Facebook (@SOUNZnz), Instagram (@sounz_nz), or TikTok (@sounz_nz).
#nzmusic
