Bach and the Brain

Bach and the Brain

Mike Mannix wrote (Octobe 13, 1014):
Why our brains respond to Bach Cantatas.

Our brains react to poetry in the same way as brains react to music, say scientists at Exeter University (UK),

Analysis of the brain using magnetic resonance imaging found that the section of the brain which normally processes music was also responsive to verse.

The Times (Oct 11, 2013), said “no-one had previously looked specifically at different at different brain responses to poetry and prose”.

“Poetry, like music, affects the part of the brain associated with memories. Poetry activated brain areas such as the posterior cingulated cortex and medial temporal lobes, which have been linked to introspection.”

Professor Adam Zeman, quoted in The Times, said: “Some people say that it is impossible to reconcile science and art, but new brain imaging technology means we are now seeing a growing body of evidence about how the brain responds to the experience of art.

“This was a preliminary study, but it is all part of work that is helping us to make psychological, biological, anatomical sense of art.” The Prof told The Times.

Findings have been published in the Journal of Consciousness Studies.