Songs you like

LetTheRedeemed

@Rah1woot xD

NoeticJuice

It wasn't specifically about classical music, but about "sophisticated" music. From the linked paper:

"Many behavioral traits, including personality, are known to be influenced by steroid-hormone testosterone. On this basis, we conjectured that testosterone partly determines individual differences in music preference. To examine this hypothesis, in the present study, we investigated the association between salivary testosterone concentration and strength of preference for five different music types in young males and females. The results revealed a significant negative correlation between salivary testosterone concentration and preference for sophisticated music, such as classical and jazz in males. This relationship was not mediated by the big-five personality traits. These findings indicate the possibility that neuroendocrinological function can exert influences on music preference patterns."

From The Structure of Musical Preferences: A Five-Factor Model:

"The findings from three independent studies converged to suggest that there exists a latent five-factor structure underlying music preferences that is genre-free, and reflects primarily emotional/affective responses to music. We have interpreted and labeled these factors as: 1) a Mellow factor comprising smooth and relaxing styles; 2) an Urban factor defined largely by rhythmic and percussive music, such as is found in rap, funk, and acid jazz; 3) a Sophisticated factor that includes classical, operatic, world, and jazz; 4) an Intense factor defined by loud, forceful, and energetic music; and 5) a Campestral factor comprising a variety of different styles of direct, and rootsy music such as is often found in country and singer-songwriter genres. The findings from a fourth study suggest that preferences for the MUSIC factors are affected by both the social and auditory characteristics of the music."

Idk about the historical and cultural contexts of most types of music, so I won't comment on that.

Male composers might have lower testosterone levels in general:

Testosterone and artistic talents

I don't really care much about testosterone

@LetTheRedeemed said in Songs you like:

classical music is objectively better

What is objectively better is subjective; it depends on the purpose for listening. If someone just wanted entertainment, then they could just listen to any music that they find entertaining.

Different kinds of music have somewhat different effects, and the effects also partially depend on who is listening to the music. A person can choose whatever fits their purpose for them.

There might also be some benefit from listening to a wide variety of genres—the mind gets exposed to a wider range of patterns and sounds.

Anyway, the posts by both of you (@William-Shat, @LetTheRedeemed) got me to listen to some classical music again, and I found some new ones that I like and haven't listened to before. So, thank you.

LetTheRedeemed

@NoeticJuice said in Songs you like:

It wasn't specifically about classical music, but about "sophisticated" music. From the linked paper:

Thanks for sharing. I do believe it's a chicken or egg scenario, and have no problem with the findings that show classical music enjoyers are on average elderly and childless.

I don't really care much about testosterone

It's incredibly important for men's optimal health and function (maybe we can quibble about DHT, etc); It's the primary hormone produced by men's reproductive glands. I also care a lot about progesterone balance in women, for the same reason.

What is objectively better is subjective; it depends on the purpose for listening. If someone just wanted entertainment, then they could just listen to any music that they find entertaining.

This is the age old modern art argument that we don't have to have here, but guess where I stand

I agree that some modern music has many attractive points to it; I listen to the ones that do a good job.

Different kinds of music have somewhat different effects, and the effects also partially depend on who is listening to the music. A person can choose whatever fits their purpose for them.

There might also be some benefit from listening to a wide variety of genres—the mind gets exposed to a wider range of patterns and sounds.

Agreed. I have one rule in my entertainment by the arts: is it beautiful? That leads one down wild rabbit holes whereby "genre" doesn't cut it, and beauty can be found in the remotest places.

Anyway, the posts by both of you (@William-Shat, @LetTheRedeemed) got me to listen to some classical music again, and I found some new ones that I like and haven't listened to before. So, thank you.

here have another:
Youtube Video

NoeticJuice

here have another:
Youtube Video

A good one, thanks. Added to my playlist.