Drop the Needle - Introduction to Plutchik's Wheel of Emotion
Arnalds, Vivaldi, Mahler, Copeland, Górecki, Penderecki, R. Strauss, Adams, Shostakovich, Barber, Bach, Bartók, Holst, Stravinsky, Ravel, O'Halloran
Exploring Emotions Through Music: An Introduction
Welcome to Drop the Needle, a new series dedicated to unraveling the profound connection between music and human emotions. Inspired by Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions, we'll journey through the rich landscape of feelings as expressed by composers across different periods.
Georgia O'Keeffe's Blue and Green Music (1921) serves as a visual counterpart to our musical exploration. O'Keeffe sought to represent the rhythms and harmonies of music through flowing shapes and interplaying colors. The painting's abstract forms and serene palette provide an emotionally neutral starting point, inviting personal interpretation and reflection—much like the emotionally neutral pieces that bookend our playlist.
The Curated Playlist
Each piece in this playlist represents a specific emotion, guiding you through a spectrum of feelings framed by emotionally neutral compositions. No music will be repeated throughout the series, ensuring a fresh and diverse listening experience.
Engage with the Music
As you explore the playlist, consider how each composition communicates its assigned emotion without words. Pay attention to the musical elements—the melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and instrumental colors—and how they influence your emotional response.
Listen on the playlist on Spotify:
Listen on the playlist on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9DUErBn8LGtR8YKhG-gL-A6EONGGnp0y&si=DuSn4AwnCt3MpzfT
Reflect and Share: We'd love to hear your thoughts. Which pieces resonated with you the most? Did any evoke unexpected feelings?
Emotionally Neutral Opening
Ólafur Arnalds – Near Light
This minimalist composition invites quiet introspection, much like O'Keeffe's painting encourages us to contemplate the visual representation of music. The subtle interplay of piano and strings creates a serene atmosphere, preparing us for the emotional journey ahead.
Primary Emotions and Combination States
Joy
Antonio Vivaldi – "Spring" from The Four Seasons
Vivaldi captures the essence of joy with bright melodies and spirited rhythms that mirror the awakening of nature. The concerto's lively tempo and harmonious interplay between instruments evoke feelings of happiness and rejuvenation. The energetic violin passages and the vivid depiction of spring's arrival make this piece a timeless celebration of joy.
Reflect: What images or emotions arise when you listen to this piece? How does it uplift your spirits?
Love (Joy + Trust)
Gustav Mahler – Symphony No. 5 – IV. Adagietto
Mahler's “Adagietto” is a tender expression of love, often considered a musical love letter to his wife, Alma. The gentle swells of the strings convey deep affection and intimacy. The Romantic era's rich harmonies envelop the listener in a warm embrace, offering a profound sense of connection and devotion.
Reflect: How does the music convey feelings of love without words? What emotions does it stir in you?
Trust
Aaron Copland – Appalachian Spring (Suite)
Copland's composition embodies trust and optimism through its open harmonies and pastoral themes. The music evokes images of wide-open landscapes and a sense of community. The use of simple melodies and folk elements creates a welcoming and reassuring atmosphere that instills confidence and comfort.
Reflect: What aspects of the music make you feel a sense of trust or security?
Submission (Trust + Fear)
Henryk Górecki – Symphony No. 3 "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs" – II. Lento e largo
Górecki's haunting symphony conveys vulnerability and surrender. The minimalist orchestration and poignant vocals express deep emotions of loss and acceptance. The slow, meditative pacing allows the listener to immerse themselves in a state of reflection and introspection.
Reflect: How does the simplicity of the composition enhance its emotional impact?
Fear
Krzysztof Penderecki – Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima
Penderecki's Threnody immerses listeners in an intense soundscape of dissonance and tension. The unconventional techniques create an atmosphere of unease, reflecting the raw emotion of fear. The piercing tones and abrupt shifts challenge the listener, evoking a visceral response to the haunting subject matter.
Reflect: What emotions does this piece evoke in you? How do the unusual sounds influence your reaction?
Awe (Fear + Surprise)
Richard Strauss – Also sprach Zarathustra – Introduction
This iconic fanfare instills a sense of awe and wonder. The majestic brass and dramatic crescendos elevate the listener to a cosmic perspective. The powerful opening motif has become synonymous with grandeur and the exploration of the unknown.
Reflect: How does the music make you feel connected to something larger than yourself?
Surprise
John Adams – Short Ride in a Fast Machine
Adams captures the excitement and unpredictability of surprise through rapid tempo and rhythmic complexity. The energetic pulses and shifts keep the listener engaged, reflecting the exhilaration of unexpected experiences. The piece's driving momentum propels forward with a sense of urgency and thrill.
Reflect: How does the rhythm of the piece affect your emotional response?
Disapproval (Surprise + Sadness)
Dmitri Shostakovich – Symphony No. 5 – I. Moderato
Shostakovich's symphony reflects tension and melancholy. The underlying dissonance and somber tones convey a sense of disapproval and internal conflict. Composed during a tumultuous period in the composer's life, the music embodies a complex emotional landscape of resistance and resignation.
Reflect: What elements of the music communicate feelings of disapproval or unrest?
Sadness
Samuel Barber – Adagio for Strings
Barber's piece is renowned for its deep expression of sorrow. The slow tempo and rich harmonies evoke profound sadness and introspection. The gradual build-up and release of tension mirror the ebb and flow of emotional pain, making it a poignant meditation on grief.
Reflect: How does the simplicity of the melody enhance the feeling of sadness?
Remorse (Sadness + Disgust)
Johann Sebastian Bach – "Erbarme dich, mein Gott" from St Matthew Passion
This aria expresses deep remorse and a plea for mercy. The intertwining of the violin and voice creates a moving dialogue of repentance. Bach's masterful use of melody and harmony conveys a profound sense of humility and spiritual longing.
Reflect: In what ways does the music convey a sense of remorse?
Disgust
Béla Bartók – Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta – III. Adagio
Bartók's eerie atmospheres evoke feelings of discomfort and unease. The use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies challenges the listener, creating a soundscape that is both intriguing and unsettling. The haunting timbres and mysterious textures explore the darker facets of emotion.
Reflect: How do the dissonant sounds affect your emotional state?
Contempt (Disgust + Anger)
Dmitri Shostakovich – Symphony No. 10 – II. Allegro
This aggressive movement embodies scorn and defiance. The sharp rhythms and intense dynamics reflect contempt's fiery nature. Shostakovich channels raw emotion into the music, possibly as a response to political oppression and censorship, resulting in a piece that is both passionate and confrontational.
Reflect: What musical elements contribute to the feeling of contempt?
Anger
Gustav Holst – "Mars, the Bringer of War" from The Planets
Holst's powerful composition represents the intensity of anger. The relentless rhythms and dissonant harmonies create a sense of impending conflict. The driving ostinato and bold orchestration convey the ferocity and unyielding force associated with war.
Reflect: How does the music's rhythm influence your perception of anger?
Aggressiveness (Anger + Anticipation)
Igor Stravinsky – The Rite of Spring – "Augurs of Spring"
Stravinsky's groundbreaking work captures raw energy and primal force. The complex rhythms and bold orchestration convey aggressiveness and anticipation. The piece's innovative structure and intense dynamics revolutionized music, embodying a spirit of boldness and daring.
Reflect: What emotions are stirred by the unpredictability of the music?
Anticipation
Maurice Ravel – Boléro
Ravel's Boléro builds a sustained sense of anticipation through its repetitive melody and gradual crescendo. The hypnotic rhythm guides the listener forward, creating a mesmerizing effect as the orchestration gradually intensifies. The piece's singular theme transforms as new layers are added, heightening expectation.
Reflect: How does the repetition in the music affect your sense of anticipation?
Optimism (Anticipation + Joy)
Gustav Holst – "Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity" from The Planets
Holst's exuberant composition radiates optimism and joy. The sweeping melodies and rich harmonies uplift the listener. The central theme has been adapted into hymns and songs due to its inspiring and affirming character, symbolizing hope and unity.
Reflect: What aspects of the music fill you with a sense of hope or happiness?
Emotionally Neutral Closing
Dustin O'Halloran – Opus 23
Concluding our journey, this serene piano piece offers a moment of calm introspection. Its simple melody and soothing tones bring a sense of closure, allowing the emotions stirred by the previous pieces to settle gently.
Looking Ahead: Emotions Across Time
In future issues, we'll delve deeper into each emotion, examining how its musical expression has evolved over time—from the intricate counterpoint of the Baroque period to the expressive melodies of the Romantic era and the bold innovations of modern composers. This temporal dimension will enrich our understanding of both music and emotion.
Next Issue: Emotional Totems
Our next issue will focus entirely on emotionally neutral music. These pieces serve as anchors, offering a space for reflection amidst the complexities of emotional exploration. We'll continue to integrate art and music, deepening our appreciation of how different mediums express and evoke emotions using compatible vocabulary.
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Final Thoughts
Music and art transcend words, offering profound ways to experience and express emotions. By immersing ourselves in these compositions and artworks, we not only appreciate the artistry of the creators but also gain insight into our own emotional landscapes.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We look forward to exploring the depths of music, art, and emotion with you.
Feel free to reach out with any thoughts or inquiries. Happy listening!
Water swims the fish.
Air flies the plane.
Music plays the musician.
— David A. Benoît, in reaction to the 2024 Ig Nobel Physics Prize awarded to James C. Liao for demonstrating and explaining the swimming abilities of a dead trout
Portions of this content, including this disclaimer, were informed and structured with the assistance of ChatGPT o1 Preview by OpenAI, followed by thorough human review and editing for accuracy and context.