Baby Quote by John Barbirolli
“Ladies of the choir, I want you to sound like twenty-two women having babies without chloroform.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Conducting Choirs, John Barbirolli, 1968
The metaphor urges singers to produce a rich, layered sound, likening it to multiple voices in intense, natural birth.
In simple terms: Create rich, layered vocal sound.
Key Takeaway
Aim for vibrant, collective voice.
Themes
music
collaboration
texture
expression
metaphor
Mood
energetic
dramatic
Type
musical
educational
When to use this quote
- choir rehearsals
- live performances
- recording sessions
- educational workshops
Key Concepts
Acoustic layering
emotional intensity
group dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does layering affect emotional impact?
- What techniques achieve a 'full' sound?
A Different Perspective
May be misinterpreted as graphic.
![“Behold me waiting—waiting for the knife… The thick, sweet mystery of chloroform, The drunken dark, the little death-in-life… [F]ace to face with chance, I shrink a little: My hopes are strong, my will is something weak. ...I am ready But, gentlemen my porters, life is brittle: You carry Cæsar and…” quote by William Ernest Henley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a68/william-ernest-henley-15193_aces_behold-me-waiting-waiting-for-the-knife_269698.jpg)
