Music has charms to soothe a savage breaste is what the playwright William Congreve actually wrote. But it's part of our mythology: a wild or angry animal calmed or tamed by music. Which makes sense, given all we know about how music can affect the spirits of a human being.
In her book "The Friend," Sigrid Nunez explores the calming power of music, referencing the saying by playwright William Congreve that "music has charms to soothe a savage breast." This phrase highlights the idea that music can have a profound impact on both animals and humans, suggesting a universal healing potential inherent in melodies and rhythms.
Nunez's insights emphasize the relationship between music and emotions, illustrating how it can alleviate distress...
