The Last Chorus

Abstract

This chapter provides a synthesis of the discussions in the preceding chapters. It suggests that having read the previous chapters, readers will agree that little more can be said about musical emotions these days. However, much work remains to explore and understand fully the manifold mechanisms involved. Even now, it is possible to suggest possible ways of explaining how these mechanisms could produce some of the most complex and rewarding emotions experienced with music in daily life. The chapter also considers another paradox of music and emotion, which needs to be resolved: People tend to avoid experiencing sadness in everyday life, yet they seem to find the experience of sadness pleasurable in music listening.