Stuff that funky gibbon

Researchers in Japan have learned that Lar gibbons (or white-handed gibbons as they are also known) use the same vocal techniques as human soprano singers when tested in an environment rich with helium. Scientists claim that the gibbons are able to control the frequencies of their vocal tracts in the same way as a humans do.

And here was stupid, tone-deaf little me thinking that it was in fact the other way round. I have long considered the high pitched warblings of some of our best known soprano singers bear remarkable similarity to the random agitated screechings of certain endangered primates. 

I am unsure as to why anyone would wish to expose these angelic looking creatures to helium but would assume that the resulting ‘tunes’ were more satisfactory than had the experiments been carried out on humans.

Can we expect one day to see a gibbon taking to the stage at Glyndebourne? How long will it be before Sir Tom Jones releases a record backed by a choir of gibbons?

As I write, I have visions of Simon Cowell drifting across the Indonesian peninsula in a helium filled balloon, recorder in one hand and contract in the other. One bag of hot air inside another.