Readers recommend: songs that build

... up momentum, energy, intensity, layers, volume or sheer emotion. From a whisper to a scream, suggest music that grows in unusual or powerful waysWhat a song.* It begins with nothing more than a hint of stillness, a tiny flick of wind through grass, a gnat’s heartbeat, a cricket’s wink, a cat hair’s whisper in the imagination. Then, emerging from beyond the frequency at which human biology can detect sound, an indeterminate buzzing, perhaps of an insect, a rhythmic crunching, and a rustling like the uncurling of forest foliage. Next, the low thrum of a distant double bass, a rumble of timpany, a bass drum thud, then a snare, repeating and rising like the approach of a far-off army. Is that an oboe or a clarinet through the trees? Joining out of nowhere, the sounds are reminiscent of industry, the pushing of pistons, the hiss of steam, the banging of hammers. These instruments quickly and indiscernibly align into the rhythm of a human heartbeat.Suddenly, cracking like jagged sunlight across the sky, a guitar riff breaks out, and throws strange shadows. It does it again. Then cutting across, a piano plays a rhythmic counterpoint. The sounds intertwine. A string section joins. The energy rises, the pace quickens, and building, all the instruments quickly take a second’s breath, until a voice, at first soft but distinct in the verse, lets out a low howl, rising to a scream as it drives into the big corner of the chorus, joined by more voices and doubled guitars. The pa...

Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - November 18, 2014 Category: Science Authors: Peter Kimpton Tags: Music Pop and rock Classical music LCD Soundsystem James Murphy Dance music Sigur Ros Arcade Fire Van Morrison Pyotr Tchaikovsky Richard Wagner Ludwig van Beethoven Malcolm Gladwell Books Festivals Culture Tinariwen World Source Type: news