I taste complex voices…in a choir
sopranos…are Pippin apples…kiwis…and champagne
altos… damson plums…bing cherries…Pinot noir
tenors… are clover honey…hard cider…butterscotch
and basses…dark cacao…English walnuts… and bock beer
yet I hear a simple heartbeat…in a choir
when directors shape voices with their hands
to breathe in…all pulses quicken
to breathe out…all pulses slow
to find a breathing synchrony
approximate to one
Bonnie Marshall
Intriguing fact…choir singers tend to synchronize their heartbeats,
especially when they chant.
Artist: Vittorio Losito
Synchronize their heartbeats!!!
Yes. I understand it happens in sports events…hymn singing.
i think i experienced that at the service for my mother; we sang “love divine” and it was like being at sea.
Must have been truly memorable, Ward. )
Lovely, and such a true vision of the tastes of sound…
Thank you.) I’m glad you sense that, too.
Bonnie loved your images and movement in your poem. And learned something as well. Thanks. >KB
Three for three! Thank you, KB.)
I read once that storytellers in oral culture were skilled in entrainment. It’s helped people remembered the story or information being passed on. Not at all surprised about a choir synchronizing. Wonderful post!
Sincere thanks, Jana. It’s an intriguing idea, as is your insight.
You sound … Great!!! (and like, one.)
Such a thoughtful comment, Ward. Thank you.
Bonnie, thank you. I also did not know about synchronized heart beats. Have forwarded the information to my daughter’s choir director. Fascinating.
I understand it occurs most obviously in chanting. )