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The Documentary; The Human Voice

The Documentary: Episode 1: The Human Voice

A woman sings into a microphone, Credit:  V von Bonin/BIPs/Getty Images

Episode 1

Episode 1: The Human Voice

The Human Voice

BBC World Service - The Documentary, The Human Voice

What’s happening to us physiologically, chemically and psychologically when we sing?

"The human voice is the organ of the soul" - so says the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  

“I don’t sing because I’m happy, I’m happy because I sing” claimed US philosopher and psychologist William James.  

“When I sing, I believe.  I’m honest…”  Frank Sinatra. 

The human voice is the only musical instrument just about everyone can play.  Every culture in the world has singing as a part of human ritual and celebration. Rebecca Kesby looks at the act of singing itself. What’s happening physiologically and chemically to us when we sing - and why does it make us feel happy - and free.  She takes lessons from Beat boxers in South Africa - and acapella choirs in Croatia - and talks to scientists, opera, and throat singers. She meets the midwives who sing before work and the miners who sing after.

(Photo: A woman sings into a microphone. Credit: V von Bonin/BIPs/Getty Images)

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