Why We Sing: A Celebration of Song

by Julia Hollander

"Hollander brings us memories, life's events, political dedication and the deep desire to communicate, as well as giving us the history, the physiology and the social value of singing." —Peggy Seeger

"This stirring celebration of song hits all the right notes." —Publisher's Weekly

From lullabies to songs for the dying, Why We Sing is a fascinating exploration of singing in all its varied forms, from the personal perspective of Julia Hollander, song therapist, teacher and performer. Hollander explores singing's importance to our wellbeing, charting its extraordinary influence on all aspects of our spiritual, emotional, and physical lives. Why do parents feel compelled to sing to their newborns, and how does it help their development? What is it about song that brings communities together in harmony but also in protest? How come an activity that helps to embed languages and math formulas can also be used to rehabilitate Long Covid sufferers?
And what magic is at work when people who have lost the power to speak are still able to sing?

Genres: Music

368 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Camio.Dontchaknow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this one a bit hard to get into but once it got going I found it really interesting. It was written during or shortly after Covid so there's a lot of ponderings over the connections that music and singing offers, and the impact of being denied the opportunity to sing together. It is woven through our beings, all cultures and time periods. It'll make you want to join your local community choir. I didn't enjoy the final chapter on death tho. My musicality is still too bruised to function in connection with that topic. But it still makes me want to sing and I appreciate more why I value choral singing so much. Even if you miss the right notes. S'all good, innit?

[Dom :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well informed, deeply moving and empowering book.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lottttt of detail in the beginning, almost like a speech pathology textbook. But really enjoyed it from about 1/3 on. Loved the QR code to get the songs she was referencing.