Holy Smoke: How pistols in St Paul’s Cathedral shaped the science of sound

Dr. Fiona Smyth, an author specializing in the science of sound and architecture, joins choral musician Philip Fryer to discuss the fascinating intersection of acoustics and church design. They reveal how a pistol experiment at St. Paul's Cathedral unlocked new understanding of sound properties. The duo explores the role of cathedrals as musical venues, highlighting their influence on liturgical music and the revival of polyphonic styles. They pose thought-provoking questions about whether churches could be viewed as musical instruments, blending art and architecture beautifully.