Peter Elson: The Ability to Hear Every Creature's Sweet Music ; It Is Part of the Courtship Ritual for Many
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A COUPLE of weeks back, I wrote about the scientific study to match music from a particular country to its speech patterns. American researchers found that, indeed, there was a similarity in form between the work of say Elgar and Vaughn Williams and the way we spoke, just the phrasing and rhythms of French could be matched in the music of Faure and Ravel. Following my column about this, Norah Clewes, of Chester, wrote to say that she has been totally deaf since the age of 16. Then, nine years ago, she had a cochlear implant which has had a stunning effect on her life. She writes: 'It has proved to be almost a miracle for me. It does not give completely normal hearing but, after so many years of total deafness, it is wonderful to hear words spoken and to be able to hold a normal conversation.' However, the most surprising result for her is how much she is now able to enjoy music, although not everybody is able to get this benefit from the cochlear implants. She adds: 'Earlier this year, Denis Fitzpatrick, a scientist who has himself had a cochlear implant, gave a talk to our support group about his research on music and implants. The research was centred mainly in Munich, Manchester and North Wales.' Dr Fitzpatrick reported that his research fitted in with the results of the American scientists. He said that, when it came to emotional tests for normal hearers, the British and Germans gave different answers about what their attitude was, to what they had heard. Out of about 33 pieces that were played, there were about four pieces that differed extremely radically when rated by the British and Germans. As yet, there is no particular reason why this should be so, except perhaps that national preferences are somehow responsible. My thanks to Norah Clewes for bringing this intriguing matter to our attention. On a not entirely unrelated subject, new research reveals the desire to serenade loved ones by romanticallyinclined males is not a trait restricted to males.
So what you are probably saying It's part of the courtship ritual for many creatures. The difference here is the appearance of the violin.See the full content of this document
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Peter Elson: The Ability to Hear Every Creature's Sweet Music ; It Is Part of the Courtship Ritual for Many
Scientists have found that the club-winged manakin of South America has specially a...
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