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Sep 20 2012

Why does music provoke emotion?

65 min 2 movies discussed
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A well-crafted piece of music can bring us to incredible highs and crushing lows, sometimes within the same song. Why does music affect humans this way? Join Chuck, Josh and special guest cellist Ben Sollee as they get to the bottom of music and emotion.

AI Summary

In this fascinating episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck dive deep into one of humanity's most mysterious abilities - how music and art can unlock powerful emotions and memories in our brains. They explore competing scientific theories about why a simple melody can make us weep or why looking at a painting can transport us back in time, examining everything from brain scans to cross-cultural studies. The guys also welcome back musician Ben Sollee to share insights from the artist's perspective and treat listeners to another live performance.


Movies Discussed

Bonanza
Bonanza
1959
★ 7.5
"like at the beginning of bonanza, you just start weeping — Josh was joking about how music combined with moving images affects him emotionally, using Bonanza as an example." — Josh
This Is Spinal Tap
This Is Spinal Tap
1984 1h 22m
★ 7.4
"D minor, the saddest of all keys, slow tempo. Is that the devil's key? Now it's from spinal tap — Josh referenced a famous quote from Spinal Tap about D minor being the saddest key when discussing how minor keys evoke sadness." — Josh

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