The Whale is a "dramatic cantata" written by the English composer John Tavener in 1966.

It was premiered at the inaugural concert of the London Sinfonietta under David Atherton at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on 24 January 1968.

It was heard again at a Proms concert on 1 August 1969, with the same orchestra and conductor, with vocal soloists Anna Reynolds and Raimund Herincx.

Also featured were Alvar Lidell as narrator, and the composer playing pipe and hammond organs.

In 1992 a CD version was released by Apple with the original cover art and libretto.