A Virtual Symphony: Exploring the Synesthetic Experience of Hearing and Playing Music

Imagine a world where each note you hear or play is not just a sound but a constellation of color, taste, and even movement. Welcome to the realm of synesthesia, a neurological condition that blurs the lines between the senses, making music an immersive and multifaceted experience. In this article, we delve into the unique sensations of a synesthete who visualizes, tastes, and even feels the music they play or hear.

Types of Synesthesia and Musical Perception

For some, the experience of synesthesia is literal and out-of-body. However, for individuals like me, the phenomena are more introspective. In my case, synesthesia manifests in the mind's eye, where musical notes are personified and visualized as distinct characters. Music is not just a auditory experience; it is a symphony of sensations:

Visualizing Music:

I can see the music in my mind's eye. The notes are like personalities, each with its own unique aura. Some notes are more friendly, while others are aloof. For instance, notes D and B are softer and gentle, resembling the shape of a circle.

The melodic line isn't just a series of sounds but a series of movements. When I listen to a song, particularly an instrumental piece, the melody creates a scene in my mind. It evokes a choreographed dance between individuals. A specific piece might paint a scene of two people walking toward each other, joining hands in a quiet, somber dance. The entire interaction is silent, but the imagery is vivid.

These visualizations are not random; they are deeply connected to the composition. The way the melody rises and falls can create a sense of movement, prompting my body to react accordingly, even if I'm not physically moving.

Tasting Music:

Music isn’t just heard; it’s tasted. For someone like me, the tempers of music are as clear as the temperature of a room. Warm sounds might remind me of a Spanish guitar or melodies from the Middle East. Cool sounds, on the other hand, might include the harmonica, bi-melodic violin playing, or the voice of waila.

I can feel the atmosphere tinged with colors of an equivalent temperature. Warm sounds might be a deep red, while cooler sounds could be a soft blue or green. The coolness of the pentatonic scale, for instance, might evoke a cool, refreshing ambiance.

Personal Experiences with Music and Synesthesia

Music plays a crucial role in my life, and my synesthetic experience adds an extra layer of richness to every piece I hear or play. Here are some examples of how music affects me:

Soothing and Cool Melodies:

Songs with Spanish guitar, Middle Eastern melodies, and bluesy singing tend to be warm and inviting. I might feel the atmosphere as a comforting, warm red or orange.

The harp and piano usually evoke a neutral atmosphere, with a slightly cool tone. However, American folk guitar, especially the "Carter Scratch," can be warmer depending on the tune.

Other particularly cool sounds, such as the accordion, harmonica, and children singing in chorus, can bring a refreshing coolness, like a gentle breeze on a hot day. Similarly, traditional instrumental Andean music and the waila style can evoke a crisp, cool ambiance.

Musical Air-Conditioning:

Music can also serve as environmental air-conditioning. On a hot day, a cool piece of music can be a respite, much like a gentle breeze or a refreshing cold drink. The harmony of children singing, the crisp notes of a harmonica, or the unison of violins can create a calming and pleasant atmosphere, making a sweltering day just a bit more bearable.

Conclusion

Syncing the senses through synesthesia creates a unique and immersive experience of music. For those with synesthetic tendencies, music isn’t just a series of notes—it is a symphony of colors, tastes, and even movements. If we can imagine these senses blending to create a complete and expressive ambiance, the music we hear and play can truly come to life, making every note a profound and unforgettable experience.