Most singers or musicians owe some of the most emotional moments in their lives to song or music. They are sometimes on the verge of tears when they repeat; they often feel relaxed and peaceful, but at the same time excited and joyful. And they create special bonds with their singing colleagues, the members of their group and their fans. What, in music, arouses such emotions? Philosophers and biologists have asked this question for centuries, having noted that human beings are all attracted to music. It consoles the sorrows, reinforces happy moments and connects individuals.
All moved by the music
Music seems to offer a communication system rooted in emotions rather than reason. Thus, it effectively transmits certain feelings: what a person feels while listening to a piece of music is remarkably similar to what others experience.
Even newborns and non-musicians are moved by music. “Music is certainly the most direct form of emotional communication,” says neurologist Oliver Sacks of Columbia University. “It seems to be an important part of human life and communication, just like language and movement. Communication through music ensures an emotional connection, and strengthens the bonds that consolidate the cohesion of human societies.
Instinctive language
The musical rhythms would even have facilitated certain physical interactions - walking or dancing together -, further cementing social ties. In addition, songs could have a beneficial effect on the individual, acting on their mood and physiology more effectively than words, whether to stimulate, soothe or improve physical fitness. Obviously, music has a notable social utility and regulates behavior.
Music has been accused of all evils and adorned with all benefits. In 1871, in The Filiation of Man, Charles Darwin wrote that the predilection of man for music "must be classified among the most mysterious faculties with which we have been endowed".
Music triggers emotions
It is perhaps because it “synchronizes affects” that music is almost always a collective experience. In most human societies, we come together to sing, dance and play an instrument.
Music reinforces social cohesion, perhaps by creating empathetic connections between the members of a group: we come together to experience and share the same emotions.
It creates social ties
Music produces effects on groups, because as soon as you hear a melody, you can associate with it. The rhythm of a melody would serve as social cement by weaving a physical bond.
Everything happens as if, on hearing music, our brain turned to the other. Music would contribute to weaving social bonds as hymns do on a national scale.
Music is generally a social activity. When people make or listen to music, they communicate and cooperate; they practice a social activity, which is obviously very important for the human species.
Music is also beneficial on an individual level: it has positive physiological effects, improving mental and physical well-being. Studies show that upbeat, tense or exciting music stimulates the listener, triggering a classic behavior known as “fight or flight”. Heart and respiratory rates increase, the listener may start to sweat, adrenaline is released into their blood. Music activates the physiological systems necessary for activities that require a lot of energy.
Music relaxes and improves mood
We cannot live without music; it modulates our moods, our anxieties, our sufferings and our joys. With all its positive effects, music contributes to individual well-being, to social ties and helps us to appreciate the present moment. For O. Sacks: “Music is the most direct and mysterious means of evoking and transmitting feelings. It is a way of connecting your conscience to that of others. "
A GREAT HUMAN ADVENTURE THIS WEEK IN SAINT-MARTIN
Music fans from all walks of life, with different cultures and languages, will meet this week in our little corner of paradise to share their passion: music!
This beautiful human adventure is also one of the objectives of the SXM Festival.
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