The Power Of Music.

As an offshoot from the "Crying" post, why does music have such power over our emotions?

Re: The Power Of Music.

'When you were sweet Sixteen' .... an Irish song ....
In answer to your question Alan - for me its the music ...
How it is constructed and played - Strings - pull at my heartstrings too ......

Re: The Power Of Music.

Very complex issue. There is a book written about this - This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel J. Levitin. Fascinating stuff!
(Though maybe I'm biased as I studied music many moons ago before changing career...)

Re: The Power Of Music.

It is indeed very powerful Alan

I understand there are various musical phrases which affect certain parts of our brains connected to emotion. These phrases appear in the music of composers like Mozart.

For me music has the power to evoke moments from the past transporting me back across the years. This makes some music to painful for me to listen to ...

Re: The Power Of Music.

If you had asked what is your favourite music then I could give you loads of tracks.

Why music has such power over us is more difficult to understand, or rather, explain, Alan.


I have long been interested in the songs of the Aborigines in their dreamtime.

"Aboriginal people throughout most of Australia believe that in the beginning of time, in the Dreaming, there were no visible landmarks; the world was flat. As time progressed, creatures emerged from the ground and had the power to change at will from their animal to their human form.
Throughout their lives on earth they left inseminating powers in the soil; they also created, and taught to others, many songs including those recounting the history of their own lives, songs for healing the wounded and the sick, injuring the enemy, including rain, arresting the flood, or causing the wind to turn back."

It's a fascinating phenomena in which the landscape is forever associated with the songs.

Re: The Power Of Music.

Nice Robert - The Native Americans were the same - so in tune with their surroundings and nature - loverly.......

May the snow 'never' make yer moccasins wet and soggy ....

Re: The Power Of Music.

Fast music makes me drive faster!

Re: The Power Of Music.

That is a 'fact' Twiz - heard that a couple of months back - not that I needed telling ..... sort of figured it out ....

Re: The Power Of Music.

I love Native American music. And your last line reminded me of a magical trip I made years ago with my mother. We drove into Monument Valley under snow - a place that rarely sees snow - and it was beautiful and so peaceful. Definitely would have made the moccasins wet and soggy!

Re: The Power Of Music.

Pleased to hear we share the interest in Native Americans ... Lucky you, would love to go to America just to be in their presence ....
Wise people ......