Music and Grief: Why Mozart?

Have you lost a loved one lately? Yesterday I lost my beloved dog Jack. He was almost 14 years and was as much a part of the family as any human member. Today, I have found myself listening to the Mozart Requiem and feel unbelievably comforted by it. The music of Mozart is simply the most beautiful music that has been written to date. Of course that's my opinion. I also love Bach, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, and Debussy, but Mozart is simply with equal. If you are grieving today I highly recommend the Mozart Requiem. It's helping me to get through my loss.

Does Your Brain Like Mozart?

No doubt about it! Mozart's music has been well-researched. And what it shows is that more people respond positively to Mozart's music that any other music! Why? Well, my opinion would be that it's because Mozart's music is melodious, varied and yet predictable in a way that promotes calmness and comfort. People who are tense and anxious and want to relax, like to listen to music that is beautiful but not too complex or bombastic or dissonant. Mozart's music definitely fills the bill on that, although there are specific pieces and movements that would definitely be an exception. Parts of the Requiem and Don Giovanni are quite emotional, loud, and not conducive to relaxation. Will any of it raise your I.Q. or make you smarter? No!