Verso Sanremo 2025: perché la musica ci emoziona e ci unisce [SPIEGATO CON LA SCIENZA]

Verso Sanremo 2025: perché la musica ci emoziona e ci unisce [SPIEGATO CON LA SCIENZA]

The Power of Music

Why does music have the power to change our mood, to make us feel emotions? The answer, in part, lies in our brain, but it's not just that. We should also ask: what needs and abilities have driven our species to create a universal language? A language linked to our evolutionary history and found in many animals, such as birds, whales, and gorillas.

According to Margherita Paiano, an etologist and science communicator, we need to look back in time to understand the origins of music. The oldest known instrument is the Divje Babe flute, dating back about 55,000 years. It's made from a femur of a bear, and it shows that our ancestors were able to produce sounds by blowing into a bone and modulating them to create melodies. This may have been the first human music, used to communicate and express emotions before developing spoken language.

Gorillas, for example, have been observed producing complex vocalizations, not just simple calls. They may be composing music to express themselves and connect with others. This is a fascinating discovery, as it suggests that music may have evolved earlier and more widely than previously thought.

When we listen to music, different regions of our brain are activated, including those responsible for emotions, memory, and movement. The release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter of pleasure, also plays a role. This is why it's hard to remain indifferent to music.

The memory plays a crucial role, too, as music can evoke emotions and memories, and even conjure up feelings we thought we'd forgotten. Sanremo, the Italian music festival, is a prime example of this, as it unites people across the country and the world.

The language of music is universal, and it's not unique to humans. Birds, for example, have complex songs that are not just for mating or warning calls, but also for social bonding and expression. Whales have even been observed producing melodies that resemble human music.

Gorillas are another example, as they have been observed vocalizing in complex patterns, not just for communication, but for emotional expression. This suggests that music may have evolved earlier and more widely than we previously thought.

The power of music is that it can evoke emotions, create connections, and bring people together. It's a universal language that transcends borders and genres. So, the next time a song makes you feel the chills or makes you cry, remember that it's not just a coincidence. Music is a fundamental part of the human experience, and it's a thread that connects us all.