Times When the Group Falls Out, and the Soloist Stands Alone
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 #40: Times When the Group Falls Out, and the Soloist Stands Alone
In the vast majority of cases, when an a cappella group performs, it’s the soloist who gets the most attention—singing the lyrics, generally standing at the fore. A great soloist is a joy to listen to, but there may be no more enjoyable experience in a cappella than those few moments when the rest of the group falls out, and a truly great soloist has the opportunity to shine on his or her own for a few bars. The sound of just one voice transcends blend and harmony, and when it sounds right can be all the more beautiful for its simplicity.
Mind you, there are lots of songs for which this effect does not make sense. But when you find the right song—a religious hymn, or profoundly personal ballad—it can provide one of the truest highlights for any group’s set.
I love it!