MUSIC AND PLEASURE

                                                                          

Who can tell the pleasure, when music hits you and sends you far away to the land of ecstasy? Who can recount that treasure? Presumably, No one. Duke Orsino once said that “if music be the food of love, play on; Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.” (From Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, 1602:)

What does this mean? Orsino is asking for more music because he is frustrated in his courtship of Countess
Olivia. He muses that an excess of music might cure his obsession with love, in the way that eating too much removes one's appetite for food. Music plays an important part in Shakespeare's plays and is often used to carry the plot. It's reasonable to surmise that he did believe it the be 'the food of love'. A Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history – Confucius – once said that “music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.”

From the drumbeats of our ancient ancestors to today’s unlimited streaming services, music is an integral part of the human experience. Researchers have pondered the possible therapeutic and mood boosting benefits of music for centuries. Music wakes us up in the morning, makes us want to dance, and soothes us when we are feeling sad. From infancy to adulthood music is an important part of our lives. Music is available for listening-enjoyment to anyone at any time; almost everyone is exposed to music on a daily basis. But what is it about music, among the arts, that makes it so indispensable for humans? So much so, that even those who are not loved can find solace in music?

Music is far more powerful than language. It inspires laughter, tears, etc. It is simultaneously soothing and emotive. It works its way from the top of your head down to the tips of your toes, breathing new energy into every fiber of your body. Good music is like good food; it is just good. It doesn’t matter where it originated, it is universally palatable. It transcends both space and time. It unifies people, breaching seemingly impenetrable cultural and generational divides.

The relationship between man and music is a complex one. The ancient Greco-Roman culture believed music penetrated both the body and mind, bringing them into equilibrium. In contrast, Europeans of the late 18^th century Romantic Era perceived music as a double-edged sword, capable of both curing and causing disorders (Rose & Bartsch, 2009). It is possible that these societies believed music possessed “magical” properties due to its unexplainable yet observable influence on behavior. Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher, once observed that, without music, life would be aimless.

Music has accompanied major social events throughout the history of mankind. Major gatherings such as weddings, graduations, or birthdays are usually recognized by a familiar tune. There is evidence that music plays a large role in emotional processes within the brain. An individual’s emotional state of mind can directly impact daily cognition and behavior. Studies have shown that music has the ability to regulate a wide range of both positive and negative emotions. (Kwong, 2016, p. 1)

Music is a universal feature of human societies, partly owing to its power to evoke strong emotions and influence moods. It is a central component of our relationships largely because music influences our emotions; it can set the tone for a romantic date night. It is a common phenomenon that crosses all borders of nationality, race, and culture. A tool for arousing emotions and feelings. Skilled composers manipulate the emotion within a song by knowing what their audience’s expectations are, and controlling when those expectations will (and will not) be met. This successful manipulation is what elicits the chills that are part of any moving song.

Sexual references are common in popular music and these references may influence the behaviors of listeners. Turner (2011) found that almost 79% of R&B, 78% of rap, 53% of pop, 37% of rock, and 36% of country music videos contained some form of sexual reference. Sexual references occur in some popular music lyrics as well. Numerous studies have documented that exposure to sexual content in music is related to expectations regarding sexual activity, sexual initiation, the timing of sexual intercourse, permissive sexual attitudes… (Collins, Elliot, & Miu, 2009; L’Engle, Jackson, & Brown, 2006; Pardun, L’Engle, & Brown, 2005; Primack et al., 2009; Wright, 2013).

Research has also found that listening to sexually unambiguous lyrics is associated with a greater likelihood of initiating intercourse during adolescence (Zhang, et al., 2008). Popular media is believed to play a critical role in the sexual socialization of young people in that adolescents consider the media to be an important tool for learning information about sexual activity and intercourse (Agbo-Quaye & Robertson, 2010; Brown, 2008). Travis and Bowman (2012) write that African American youth may be more vulnerable to the potential negative influences of sexual content in music because they are more likely to view music as an accurate representation of their culture.

Stefan Koelsch, a music psychologist at the Freie University Berlin, described several mechanisms through which music impacts our ability to connect with one another—by impacting brain circuits involved in empathy, trust, and cooperation—perhaps explaining how it has survived in every culture of the world. Stefan writes that: (1) Music increases contact, coordination, and cooperation with others - coordinating movement with another person is linked to the release of pleasure chemicals (endorphins) in the brain, which may explain why we get those positive, warm feelings when we make music together; (2) It opens up the doors to conversations - When you find little to ask the other party while out on a date, talk about music and it is hard to go wrong; (3) Emanates a positive aura - There is something about music that gives everyone a positive feeling. It encourages to take action and maintain a cheerful attitude; 

(4) It is an easy element to relate to - Music is the easiest element for you and your partner to relate to; (5) Listening to music releases oxytocin - Oxytocin is a neuropeptide affiliated with breast-feeding and sexual contact, and is known to play an important role in increasing bonding and trust between people. Perhaps this explains why

new mothers often sing lullabies to their newborn babies.

Music is pleasurable, and it plays a role in our wellbeing. It also plays a significant role in strengthening social bonds. It has a unique influence on the human psyche because of its connection with emotional processes. Music makes everything better. It brings people together, and reminds them what a gift it is to be alive and breathing. It is a powerful social magnet. Knowing each other’s musical tastes can be the fertilizer that helps the flower of love to blossom. Such knowledge contributes to the growth of love in several ways.

Music has the potential to make us feel connected to all of humanity. The more we use music to bring ourselves together, the more potential for increased empathy, social connection, and cooperation. Music can evoke positive emotions, romantic feelings, and chivalrous behaviors. It is important to match the musical choice to the correct setting in order to evoke a specific emotion. So, when you’re planning the song you and your partner will dance to at your wedding, choose carefully; the future of your marriage could depend on it!

Given that musical tastes reflect people’s self-identity and personal values, it’s no wonder that music impacts sexual attraction and relationship status. However, just because a musical genre is viewed as “sexy” by science, doesn’t mean you should force yourself to like it.