Sadness is often seen as a negative emotion, but it is surprisingly enjoyable in artistic contexts. What is the unique kind of pleasure that people derive from listening to sad music? Research shows that the enjoyment of sad music is influenced by several factors (Huron, 2024).
1. Emotional Expression in Voice and Music
Music has the ability to convey emotions by imitating the sounds of the human voice. When people feel melancholy, they tend to speak more slowly, softly, and in lower tones. This is reflected in music as well. A notable example is Samuel Barber's famous *Adagio for Strings*, often regarded as one of the saddest musical compositions ever created, according to a BBC global survey.
2. Emotional Release
Music provides a way to express and release pent-up emotions like anger or sorrow. Sad music, like tragic films, allows us to confront difficult emotions without real-world consequences. For example, watching a sad movie doesn’t equate to experiencing actual hardships, such as visiting a homeless shelter. The sadness evoked by music feels "safe" because it doesn’t represent an immediate reality. This separation allows listeners to experience sorrow or empathy without the burden of guilt or responsibility.
3. The Comfort of Sadness
Listening to sad music can trigger the release of prolactin, a hormone associated with calming and soothing effects. This hormone, often released when mothers nurse their infants, creates a sense of comfort to counter emotional pain. As a result, sad music can bring a feeling of calmness and emotional balance.
4. Empathy and Connection
Empathy plays a significant role in the enjoyment of sad music. Empathy is the ability to understand or share the feelings of others. People who are deeply moved by sorrowful music often have higher levels of empathy. These individuals can connect with the emotions conveyed in the music, which resonates with their imaginative ability to understand others’ experiences.
5. Nostalgia and Memories
Sad music can act as a powerful trigger for nostalgic memories. It allows listeners to revisit meaningful moments from their past, such as school days or significant life events. Reliving these memories brings a mix of emotions—joy in remembering the good times and sadness in missing them. This bittersweet experience makes sad music profoundly moving.
6. Mood Regulation
Sad music offers mental benefits by helping to regulate emotions. It can feel like an imaginary friend who offers support and understanding during moments of loss or heartbreak. The presence of this "virtual companion" in the form of music can provide solace and help listeners cope with difficult feelings. For instance, Schubert's last three piano sonatas convey loneliness and comfort simultaneously. Schubert composed these pieces at the age of 31, shortly before his death in 1828, pouring his emotions into his music to express his own sense of isolation.
The Beauty of Sadness in Music
In summary, sad music allows listeners to step away from life's challenges such as heartbreak or loss and focus on the beauty of the music itself. Additionally, lyrics that resonate with personal experiences can give voice to emotions or thoughts that listeners might struggle to express on their own.
Sad music, with its ability to heal, comfort, and connect, reveals the profound power of emotions in art.