Music as a lifeline: emotions and experiences in the Vienna Neustädter Theater

Music as a lifeline: emotions and experiences in the Vienna Neustädter Theater

It is an exciting topic that moves people: the magic of music and its influence on our emotions. This was recently discussed vividly as part of a conversation in the city theater in Wiener Neustadt. The pianist Donka Angatscheva got the point when she described music as "magical" and emotionally, and thus illuminated the strong connection between sounds and feelings. The reserved power of music often becomes clear in personal experiences, and Angatscheva is no exception. She reported on moving moments when music triggered deepest emotions into her, which showed the audience in mind how strong experiences such experiences can be.

The soprano Zoryana Kushpler, on the other hand, described her challenges when singing an emotionally charged part that aroused her mother's feelings. Such personal stories show that music is not only a medium of entertainment, but also a source of intensive passions and memories. Especially during the difficult times of covid pandemic, the role of common music experiences by Maria Großbauer, the managing director of the city theater, was emphasized. She described theater and concert halls as "analogous soul filling stations" in an increasingly digital world.

music in the school context

Angelika Berrini, President of the Austria Choir Association, experienced the importance of singing in the music engagement of children. In her report, she spoke of different social abnormalities between two classes, which were strongly shaped by her musical activity. She is convinced that more singing in class is a key to promoting social interaction. Berrini also informed about the gratifying development of young choirs throughout Austria, which are created in many places and thus facilitate access to music. According to a listener, musical activities often begin in families and thus create an important foundation for the development of children.

This view is supported by scientific knowledge. According to a comprehensive analysis of psychologists and neuroscientists who examined the relationship between music and mood, it can be seen that listening to music often plays an important role in mood regulation. People tend to choose music that corresponds to their current state of mind. Music can cause both positive and negative emotions. This fits well with the focus of the current issue of the specialist magazine "Music and Lessons", which deals intensively with the topic of music and emotions. Among other things, the goosebumps effect is examined in connection with musical patterns and has individual differences.

The versatile possible uses of music are underlined in the edition through topics such as class music and music analysis. There are also exciting workshops and online training courses that offer a comprehensive insight into the fascinating world of music. The current edition also deals with the connection between musical perception and emotional examination, which shows how profound music can touch our feelings.

Overall, it is made clear that the importance of music goes far beyond mere entertainment. It is an indispensable element in life that brings together both individuals and communities. As the psychiatrist Thun-Hohenstein states, creativity for children in an increasingly complex world is of great importance. It becomes clear that in Austria the potential of music in the school area and beyond is far from exhausted. It remains to be hoped that, through increased initiatives in music lessons, many other children can benefit from the advantages of musical upbringing.

The combination of emotional experiences, musical education and playing together is the key to a lively and creative society. As we see, it really makes sense to put the music more into the heart of education again.