Polyphonic Singing Is Weird and Amazing


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This is Anna-Marie Hefele, a German singer whom blogger Marilyn Bellamy aptly describes as "a human theremin." She specializes in polyphonic singing, which means singing multiple notes simultaneously. When she performs, she can pair notes however she wishes in a vast variety of combinations. The musical effect is stunning and unlike anything I've ever heard from a human voice.


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If you are fascinated by this, you might want to look up information about the Throat Singers of Tuva and Mongolia, where this form of singing is part of their ancient cultural heritage. Also, there is a marvelous film on the subject called "Genghis Blues," that follows a blind American singer to Tuva to share his love for this form and compete in one of their singing contests. It's very uplifting!
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For me, the Tom Jones "signature" song will always be "She's a Lady". I used to listen to my parents' 45 repeatedly starting when I was 5 or 6. The howling guitar intro and his stabbing, semi-staccato description of "her" qualities had me riveted. It definitely informed my later opinions of what to look for in girls. :P
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Nice piece Eddie. Reminds me of the old joke about the guy who goes to see his doctor and complains that all he hears in his head are Tom Jones songs. The doctor tells him he has "Tom Jones Disease". The man asks "Is it rare?" to which the doctor says "It's Not Unusual!!". Keep the article coming Eddie...they're great!
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Egregious "Welch/Welsh" error aside, Miss Cellania, thank you for the great job you did on this article. Your excellent work always improves every article I write! You're the best!!
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