I once had the privilege of knowing and employing an individual who was intelligent, well-educated, talented, hard working, and a great human being. Apart from his day jobs, he was also an accomplished musician, from a musical family and married to a musician. This was a great privilege for me – I was able to ask a myriad of questions regarding music, which he was always happy to indulge.

On one occasion, I asked the reasoning for male rock vocalists to often sing in falsetto or head voice. He answered that strong, high-pitched sounds are physically exciting. This applies to women as well as men, and the physiological reasons have actually been documented.*

I have spent time in Washington Square Park for many years. Those who are regulars there will, from time to time, be rewarded with cameos and surprises by performing individuals and groups who come from all corners of the earth. On the evening of September 15, a newcomer caught my eyes and ears. She appeared to be quiet and shy, sitting with a group of musicians who were doing their rendition of Let It Be by the Beatles.

At one point in the song, she was encouraged to solo (from about 1 min 10 seconds into the video). I am not an expert in the vocal ranges of sopranos, but her controlled and sustained high register was beautiful and astonishing. I can’t speak for the others, but I felt like an angel from high had come to rest for a moment and grace us with the voice of a nightingale.

I know nothing about her other than her name was Margaret. She was given a rose for her efforts and went as mysteriously as she arrived. All that was left were notes on high. As she sang, beautiful and beatific, her fingers pointed skywards where angels reside, letting us know Whence She Came…

*When singers sing high and loud, the brain releases the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine, causing a general increase in physiological arousal – higher heart rate, faster respiration, increased perspiration, and greater attentiveness.

More musical cameos in Washington Square Park: Up Up We Go, Strike While the Music is Hot, Esai is Taken, Mzuri Sings, Only in New York