Prom 28: Leif Ove Andsnes – Mozart Momentum 1 (7.08.22)

[Belgrove]

If you like to believe that, so be it. I doubt it has any basis in physical reality.

Believe what? Synaesthesia is a physical effect caused by a miss-wired brain, it’s a physical reality that I experience every day of my life. If you like not to believe that, so be it.

[Bryn]

Believe what? Synaesthesia is a physical effect caused by a miss-wired brain, it’s a physical reality that I experience every day of my life. If you like not to believe that, so be it.

So, you have been tested for a form of synaesthesia which generates physical pain, rather than simple dislike, when hearing certain instruments, the sound of which is quite often disliked in contemporary western culture, have you?

[Belgrove]

So, you have been tested for a form of synaesthesia which generates physical pain, rather than simple dislike, when hearing certain instruments, the sound of which is quite often disliked in contemporary western culture, have you?

As a matter of fact I have been tested, frequently. I work at a place that has many MRI scanners, and have volunteered to spend time in them in the cause of science. I have been analysed by clinicians, physicists and psychologists alike. I wrote ‘can be equated with pain’, insofar as it is a response that affects parts of the brain not associated exclusively with sound, but are associated with unpleasant responses, and this has been verified by ‘experts’ analysing the images in real time.

[Bryn]

As a matter of fact I have been tested, frequently. I work at a place that has many MRI scanners, and have volunteered to spend time in them in the cause of science. I have been analysed by clinicians, physicists and psychologists alike. I wrote ‘can be equated with pain’, insofar as it is a response that affects parts of the brain not associated exclusively with sound, but are associated with unpleasant responses, and this has been verified by ‘experts’ analysing the images in real time.

And specifically with those instruments often considered unpleasant to listen to in the wider population? It's that association I find a little too serendipitous.

[Andrew]

I listened to this concert in its entirety (minus the interval discussion) and though it very good. I've always liked Mozart and find all his compositions beautifully "rounded' (if that's a musical term!) This prom has been one of the best....so far!

[Belgrove]

And specifically with those instruments often considered unpleasant to listen to in the wider population? It's that association I find a little too serendipitous.

It is what it is! Maybe this offends your world view, but I’m willing to accept that even if you are unwilling to accept mine.