Musical artist Jane Miller and artistic director Brian Quirt have put together a remarkable show that takes its audience on an emotional journey into the neuroscience behind sad songs and why they are so important to us as compassionate, sentient beings.
In an intimate setting of 20 – 25 guests, Miller opens her musical conversation with an entrancing rendition of Adele’s Someone Like You. Her voice is strong and controlled with a crystal clear musicality that draws you in to every note.
Miller explains to us how this particular song of Adele’s is filled with Appoggiatura, or Blue Notes as they are also known. Appoggiatura are notes that are added typically one degree higher or lower than the principal note and delay the appearance of the principal note. This deviation from the melody, Miller explains, creates a slight tension that is released again with the return to the melody. This movement between melody and tension generates dopamine for the listener that in turn stimulates the pleasure centres of the brain.
It is interesting to note that the term appoggiatura comes from the Italian verb appoggiare, to ‘lean upon’, for as Miller argues, for many of us this is indeed the purpose we allot these songs. These songs that tug on our heartstrings provide a personal space for the listener to insert himself or herself into the music and develop a unique emotional connection.
Miller’s refreshing sense of humour shines through as she breaks down a number of popular tunes from Don Henley to Phil Collins all the while sharing a very personal journey through her own world of music. Miller’s commentary is interesting, educational, and heart-warming. In a society of superficial sharing Miller offers a unique opportunity to participate in an environment that is open, welcoming, and unjudgmental.
I usually try to stay as neutral as possible when taking notes from shows, but was surprised at how connected I felt to the others around me. I found myself humming along to the songs I knew and came away from this show feeling like I’d lucked out big time in the discovery of this little show with its engaging, generous host. If you can find TICKETS, it’s certainly worth the journey.
These Are The Songs That I Sing When I’m Sad is a Nightswimming production presented by Boca del Lupo Theatre, as part of the Micro Performance Series at The Fishbowl on Granville Island, and runs
JUNE 7 to 10.
Miller explains to us how this particular song of Adele’s is filled with Appoggiatura, or Blue Notes as they are also known. Appoggiatura are notes that are added typically one degree higher or lower than the principal note and delay the appearance of the principal note. This deviation from the melody, Miller explains, creates a slight tension that is released again with the return to the melody. This movement between melody and tension generates dopamine for the listener that in turn stimulates the pleasure centres of the brain.
It is interesting to note that the term appoggiatura comes from the Italian verb appoggiare, to ‘lean upon’, for as Miller argues, for many of us this is indeed the purpose we allot these songs. These songs that tug on our heartstrings provide a personal space for the listener to insert himself or herself into the music and develop a unique emotional connection.
Miller’s refreshing sense of humour shines through as she breaks down a number of popular tunes from Don Henley to Phil Collins all the while sharing a very personal journey through her own world of music. Miller’s commentary is interesting, educational, and heart-warming. In a society of superficial sharing Miller offers a unique opportunity to participate in an environment that is open, welcoming, and unjudgmental.
I usually try to stay as neutral as possible when taking notes from shows, but was surprised at how connected I felt to the others around me. I found myself humming along to the songs I knew and came away from this show feeling like I’d lucked out big time in the discovery of this little show with its engaging, generous host. If you can find TICKETS, it’s certainly worth the journey.
These Are The Songs That I Sing When I’m Sad is a Nightswimming production presented by Boca del Lupo Theatre, as part of the Micro Performance Series at The Fishbowl on Granville Island, and runs
JUNE 7 to 10.
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