Melodies that Trigger Waves of Joyful Recollections
In a fascinating study conducted by Safiyyah Nawaz and Diana Omigie from Goldsmiths University in London, the emotional and phenomenological qualities of musical memories have been linked to the properties of the music themselves.
The research involved an online survey with 233 participants aged 18 to 76. Participants were presented with ten music pieces popular during their childhood and adolescence, including "Trap Queen" by Fetty Wap and "When Doves Cry" by Prince. Participants could also submit their own songs that triggered their memories.
Nawaz explains that hearing a song can transport a person back in time to a vivid memory associated with that song. These retrospective thoughts are considered more vivid, unique, and important by the participants.
Energetic music, such as the songs mentioned, tends to evoke memories more quickly. For instance, "Trap Queen" by Fetty Wap and "When Doves Cry" by Prince are associated with memories filled with excitement and enjoyment. On the other hand, calm songs like "re: stacks" by Bon Iver or "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy are more likely to be characterized by feelings of calm, romance, sadness, and reverence.
Interestingly, a study published in the journal "PLOS One" found that energetic songs tend to evoke memories filled with joy and excitement.
Insights from this study could potentially contribute to therapies for people with memory disorders like Alzheimer's. By understanding the power of music to trigger memories, researchers may be able to develop strategies to help those suffering from memory loss to recall important events and experiences.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the profound impact of music on our memories and emotions. It serves as a reminder of the power of music to transport us back in time and evoke powerful feelings and memories.
