What Is Synesthesia?

An amazing phenomenon of the human mind.  In basic technical terms, synesthesia is the rewiring of synapses that control the senses and how the brain translates them.  In terms that leave me dumbfounded and awed as the majesty of it's definition, Synesthesia allows people to actually see and taste sound.  

For most, it comes in the form of colors.  But there are a few like Igor Stravinsky, who are actually able to create vivid images in their head, providing a complete visual outcome of the music being played.  Stravinsky would often modify the performances of his works by changing the environment in which they are played.  Famous accounts of his shows include turning the heating off in the auditorium therefore creating a freezing atmosphere; fire pits on stage, creating a hellish atmosphere for piece.  

There is a famous story about Stravinsky and his wife who were at a beach house somewhere in the Mediterranean.  Igor started to play a new composition on a piano.  Suddenly, his wife runs into the room after hearing the melodies and harmonies being played and describes the very image that Igor was trying to convey.  

The fascinating phenomenon is something that is really close to my heart and soul as a performer and a composer.  I believe that while the condition exists for only a few, it proves that senses can affect other senses and therefore, music can affect the human body, both emotionally and physically.  

Ponder upon that......