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Medieval painting of two figures in a garden, one in pink and the other in red, surrounded by plants and a tree.

Music

idea

Why did bloody knights write love songs about spring blossoms?

The masculinity of medieval knighthood was expansive enough for both graphic violence and the joys of a flower meadow

by Jennifer Saltzstein

Music

idea

Courtly love songs are a window into medieval sex lives

Song lyrics acted as a sexual script for aristocrats, revealing some edgy practices that ignited their imaginations

by Elizabeth Eva Leach

Photo of a person in vibrant traditional attire with an orange headwrap singing on stage, another in shadow to the side.

Music

guide

How to get hooked on opera

Aspects of opera can seem strange. But give it a try and you’ll soon find yourself absorbed in a truly magical experience

by Alexandra Wilson

Photo of a person speaking into a microphone holding an electric string instrument with a choir in the background.

Theatre and performance

film

The barbarians are at the gates in this electric Laurie Anderson performance

Video by All Arts

Photo of three humpback whales swimming underwater in a dark blue ocean, illuminated by sunlight filtering through the water.

Music

idea

I learned to hear the music of Earth’s underwater musicians

If we consider the sounds of whales and other organisms with an open mind, we find a strange beauty – and can even join in

by David Rothenberg

Marble sculpture of a seated figure playing a harp on a grey background.

Music

idea

Ancient Greek ideas of attunement can breathe new life into music

In Athenian philosophy, attunement is important not only in music, but also for moods, attitudes and states of mind

by John Bagby

Photo of shelves filled with vinyl record covers stacked vertically, showing a collection of diverse albums.

Music

guide

How to discover new music

In a musical rut? Whatever your age or existing tastes, you can find surprise and enjoyment beyond the streaming algorithms

by James Hadfield

Puppets with monkey faces in office attire, performing a synchronised dance in a cubicle-filled office setting, with computers and office supplies visible.

Happiness

film

Humanoid animals sing through their existential angst in this madcap short

Directed by Niki Lindroth Von Bahr

Black and white photo of a man playing piano, with dark background and dramatic lighting.

Music

idea

What is it about musical hooks that makes them so catchy?

From hummable riffs to striking lyrics, the catchiest hooks tell us something about the limits of human attention and memory

by Tim Byron & Jadey O’Regan

Abstract painting with bold red, blue and yellow shapes on a textured dark background.

Artists and art history

idea

Is the attunement of abstract art and music more than a metaphor?

How does the abstract art of Kandinsky and Klee imitate the meaning and emotion in the music of Shostakovich and Bach?

by Michelle Liu

Music

guide

How to listen to, and enjoy, classical music

Whether you’re a newbie or an aficionado, these ways to navigate and approach the genre will enrich your experience

by Lawrence Kramer

A group of people in traditional attire with gold embroidery, holding flowers and smiling while singing.

Music

film

Six minutes with a pan-African gospel choir is a shot of joy for the weary soul

Directed by Samuel Bradley