Singing in a Round
For the uninitiated, it can be difficult to understand why people love a cappella. Heck, even for those of us who do actively enjoy it, it can be difficult to put into words why we enjoy this art form so. While we’ll never have a truly comprehensive list of everything cool about a cappella, 200 Reasons to Love A Cappella is our best attempt at assembling a list of what makes it great.
Reason #137: Singing in a Round
Who among us doesn’t reflect fondly upon childhood sing-alongs of “Row, Row, Row Your Boa?.” It’s a simple, feel-good song, perfect for young people just beginning to learn about music and the world around them.
Coolest of all is the way in which the song lends itself to being sung in a round—and how cool is it the first time you experience music in a round?—that the absence of synchronicity can actually be complex, captivating, haunting, and beautiful.
Such is the feeling when a cappella groups reproduce this effect in the appropriate contemporary song choice, such as the treatment a number of groups gave to Ingrid Michaelson’s “The Chain.”
Singing in a round takes us back to the roots of our love for music, besides rewarding the careful listener with an enchanting experience.
I love it!