Magical organ gives ‘musical taste’ a new meaning

Story highlights Magical instrument changes the taste experience with different notes Design previously conceived in classic science-fiction Crossmodality allows for translation between senses May transform food industry and encourage us to make better choices CNN — The organist’s fingers step lightly through a world of summer fruits, picking out high notes that conjure zest and vitality, before segueing into a lazy melody of golden malt fields. Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ featured a scent organ that played “arpeggios of thyme and lavender,” while the University of Geneva’s Géraldine Schenkel produced a ‘Pianocktail’ that prepared drinks based on the notes played. We know that lemon is a high note, so if I play one as you drink lemon the taste is accentuated.” The organ can’t create flavors that are not present, but for a drink like whisky that contains dozens of competing tastes the multi-sensory accompaniment can add depth and insight to the experience. A growing body of research attests to the power of our other senses to influence the taste experience, such as studies from the CRL documenting the impact of sight on taste and sensation, from presentation of meals in restaurants to the “Butcher’s Tongue illusion.” “Life is multi-sensory and we are always capturing information that make up our perceptions”, says Charles Michel, a multi-disciplinary chef and psychologist at the Oxford lab.