Classical music’s reputation as soothing background noise has long been debated, with some arguing that it devalues its intrinsic worth. As a child, I was immersed in classical music, but after my father’s sudden passing, I struggled to listen to it again. However, as I reconnected with music, I began to ponder its capacity for healing and wellbeing.
Radio 3 Unwind, the BBC’s new station, aims to promote classical music’s therapeutic benefits. While its programming may not be heavy on discussion, it features a mix of slow movements, birdsong, and recognisable classics from renowned composers. The presenters often have psychology or mindfulness credentials, using soothing voices to encourage relaxation.
Critics argue that Unwind diminishes the value of classical music, reducing it to mere background entertainment. However, proponents counter that music has been used for centuries in healing rituals, with properties that can alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and pain perception.
Theorist Theodor Adorno once argued that true music must be detached from commercial interests, but this stance can be limiting. Listening to music should not be solely about its ability to aid focus or optimize health; it can simply exist for its own sake.
Research supports the idea that music has a profound impact on our wellbeing. Musician Clemency Burton-Hill’s BBC documentary My Brain: After the Rupture explores her recovery from a catastrophic bleed, highlighting how musical training can increase language distribution in the brain and accelerate speech recovery.
Even renowned authors like Alice Vincent and Emily MacGregor, who have written extensively about music’s healing properties, agree that it’s essential to reevaluate our perception of classical music. Music is not just a nicety; it’s an integral part of human experience, weaving itself into our fundamental processes across all forms of attention.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of music in our lives. By acknowledging its power to heal and uplift, we can work towards preserving its value and promoting its presence in our society.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/apr/14/mood-music-radio-3-unwind-emily-macgregor