C racking the code:
the e m otional language
of m usic
The Theory of Musical Equilibration
answers an age-old question
by
Bernd and Daniela Willimek
translated from German by Laura Russell
H
ow is it possible for music to
evoke emotions? This is a question we often do not even ask
ourselves: it seems completely
natural for our feelings to be stirred
up by music. The odd correlation
between music and emotions is not
something we think much about until
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we actively consider what music really
is. Strictly speaking, music is nothing
other than a series of molecules in the
air that are made to oscillate and make
their way to the ear. But what do these
oscillating molecules of air have to do
with our feelings?