2023-06-08 22:30:15
56 minutes ago
The word “catharsis” has several meanings – it all depends on the context. In a general sense, catharsis is purification, elevation and healing, resolution of internal conflicts, liberation from negative thoughts and emotions.
The concept itself was invented by Aristotle – this is how he described the state of the audience in the theater, who closely followed the characters and were completely immersed in the performance. In the Renaissance, catharsis began to be called the process when a person deliberately introduced himself into experiences in order to enjoy it.
Later, “catharsis” received the meanings of relief, shock, harmonization, and the like. The concept of “catharsis” was widely spread thanks to the well-known Sigmund Freud – he gave this name to one of the methods of psychotherapy. The method involved immersing a person in bad memories: a person had to look negative memories directly in the eyes in order to relive them and let go. Thus came the liberation from emotional stress, which did not allow a person to live in peace.
But what regarding the music?
In music, catharsis means the impact on a person of a musical composition. A person is so fascinated by the sounds of music that he seems to fall into a trance and flies away from the place where he is. Music excites, elevates and relaxes, frees from all experiences and makes people happier. Once upon a time, Beethoven’s works “Moonlight Sonata” or “For Elise” were brought to a state of catharsis. The audience forgot to clap following Queen performed their famous “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
In fairness, I would like to note that not only the audience catches catharsis from listening to music, the musicians themselves can also immerse themselves in this state while performing their compositions.
Photo source: freepik.com
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