What do you know about classical music? Origin, landmarks, and legends
Bach owned at least six keyboard instruments, ten string instruments, a lute and two lautenwerks, or lute-harpsichords, a type of harpsichord that sounds similar to a lute due to its gut strings. In 1750, the composer’s health was deteriorating, so the family decided to call the “famous” surgeon John Taylor, who turned out to be a mere charlatan. Bach underwent cataract surgery twice, but it was unsuccessful in both cases. As a result of the interventions, the composer died six months later. In 1753, the same “doctor” also operated on Handel, who had problems with his vocal cords.
Five reasons why everyone should have music in their lives
1. Music brings people together
Music creates social cohesion, it speaks to all when words can fail, and wherever you go in the world, it is understood. Music is a universal gift and its power to connect people is without question. It is an art form with human interaction at its centre.
As I write this, I am travelling to Sweden to create music with some young people who have profound mental and learning disabilities. Regardless of the geography and lack of verbal communication, we will communicate, create and celebrate through sound and music.
Getting your music heard in 2024 is hard. Getting your music heard by the right people is even harder. It’s common to hear about blogs, journalists and other industry big names complaining about unsolicited PR emails from bands, so it’s difficult to know where to tread.
2. Music improves your health and wellbeing
Music stimulates the brain which in turn helps with pain relief, reducing stress and memory. A study from Harvard has shown that relaxing music may lower blood pressure and heart rate after physical exertion.
It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety and through bringing people together, can be an antidote to loneliness and social isolation.
I’ve also seen first-hand the effect music can have on people with dementia, allowing them to communicate with loved ones when all other communication is lost.
3. Music can improve confidence and resilience
In a digital age where many services and products are instantly available with the click of a button, learning a musical instrument provides a platform for people to achieve through discipline and perseverance. There are many skills required in order to learn how to play a musical instrument: technique; reading music; expression; listening; and as you continue to perfect these skills, you build resilience.
