My Forays into Singing

Music they say is in the genes (not sure if a mutation/ single nucleotide polymorphism has been identified). My mother used to sing and play Veena- although mostly for her own satisfaction. As a child I used to sit with her during her weekly lessons. I could sing along with her with my child's voice till my voice broke at around 12-13 yrs of age. It was as if my voice broke free of all inhibitions. Suddenly I had more than one voice to contend with- emanating from the same laryngeal box when I tried to sing. I had to learn to concentrate on one of the several frequencies (simultaneous lower scale C and E with middle scale G for example) so that in my mind at least it sounded like a harmonious tune. Like most people I continued with my bathroom singing (believing that the genes will take over at some stage), oblivious of the cacophony since by now I developed an automatic switch that cuts of other frequencies from the feedback. To my thus blanketed brain, my singing resembled that of professional singers. 

One day I was visiting my uncle in a village and I was singing to myself in the living room. Suddenly I found someone imitating my voice and singing outside. I quickly stepped outside to see a four-legged imitator in the local dhobi's donkey. I stopped singing immediately. The dhobi was very apologetic and told me that his donkey gets excited when someone sings like that- he refused to elaborate on what aspect of my singing it is that triggered this appreciation from his donkey so much so that it decided join me in the chorus.

I realised that unlike professional singers who can sing in bass, alto, contralto or soprano voice at will- but one at a time, I can achieve this feat simultaneously- hence the resemblance to the singer in the dhobi's friend.

My daughter gently hinted to me- 'dad, it is not so much that the donkey is imitating you. I think it is the other way around.' Suitably chided, I stopped singing except when I come across a donkey. How can one let go of an opportunity to sing in front of an appreciative audience!

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