Music in Social Cohesion

Abstract

The social context and possible role of music in the history of mankind until today are discussed. It is emphasised that “amusia” (total lack of understanding of the meaning of music) is very infrequent in normal populations. It could be speculated that individuals who have lacked interest in music and have had poor ability to participate in musical activities have had less likelihood to survive than others. Music can have very strong effects in political and societal contexts. The concept multimodality is introduced—concomitant art experiences enforcing physiologically and psychologically the effects of one another. The possible longevity effect of choir singing is discussed in a societal context (effects not only on the singers themselves but also on cohesiveness in the community) using Swedish-speaking East Bothnians (who live much longer than their Finnish-speaking neighbours) as a scientifically studied example.

This chapter was preceded by a large two-page picture (page 24–25), showing a Swedish composer/conductor Alfvén who conducts 10,000 Swedish male choir singers in 1923.