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Category Archives: Music and Well-being
Verdi’s Falstaff: A Key to Happiness
A sense of humor is a precious commodity that can radically increase our well-being.Ā When the writer Norman Cousins became so ill that his doctors gave up on him, he “cured” himself by watching classic comedies, giving concrete form to … Continue reading
Music for Hard Times
Increase Your HQ (Happiness Quotient) Here in New York we’ve had a pretty brutal winter along with equally hard economic news.So we’ve been listening to music that bolsters our spirits. How about you? Two character strengths that can help uplift … Continue reading
Savoring Philip Glass
Connecting with people through his music has been the credo of Philip Glass for some forty years.Ā As far back as 1967 he viewed the modern music scene as being transformed by “a generation of composers who were in openĀ revolt against … Continue reading
Miles Davis: A Case for Tapping into Inner Strengths
So many of us look up to role models, heroes whom we try to emulate. But all too often we find ourselves falling short and feeling frustrated. Yet there are inner strengths which we can tap to find our individual … Continue reading
David Byrne: Playing the Building
“I’m not suggesting people abandon musical instruments and start playing their cars and apartments, but I do think the reign of music as a commodity made only by professionals might be winding down.” Amidst preparations for his launching of a … Continue reading
Posted in Music and Happiness, Music and Well-being, Uncategorized
Tagged David Byrne, John Cage
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Sing, Sing, Sing!
Josh and I went to see YOUNG AT HEART last night. This is a very enjoyable documentary movie about a group of elders–average age of 80–who travel the world from their home in Northampton, Massachusetts, giving concerts of Rock music. … Continue reading
Bereavement, Optimism, and Music
Lynne has just shared an absolutely riveting article with me, “Second Nature: “Your Personality Isn’t Necessarily Set in Stone.” It comes from the current issue of Psychology Today (April 2008). What especially caught my attention was a remarkable story of … Continue reading
Beethoven: The Power of a Soft Answer
“A soft answer turneth away wrath.” The timeless wisdom of this biblical proverb (Proverbs 15:1) has found artistic expression in one of Beethoven’s most divine creations– the slow movement of his Piano Concerto no. 4, a work I have previously … Continue reading
Music and Mindfulness
I had a fascinating experience the other night which just proved to me once again what a powerful effect music and sound have on the human nervous system for good or ill. I attended a monthly meditation group led by … Continue reading
Dancing to Classical Music? Why Not?
In today’s New York Times, Daniel Levitin writes on a topic we have already discussed in these posts, because it is fundamental to our workshops. His take on it is worth reading. He calls it “Dancing in the Seats.” (Click … Continue reading