"Molecular basis for Mozart effect revealed", Listen to the Piano duet in D! Options

[Audible!]

According to New Scientist, the molecular basis of the odd observation of the "Mozart effect" has apparently been discovered. Rats listening to Mozart's Sonata for two Pianos in D had upregulated expression of three specific genes (encode for protein products) in their hippocampus relative to a control group and white noise.
The same sonata had been previously noted to increase spatial reasoning skills in human test subjects relative to new age music and nothing, but of course whether this is idiosyncratic to this particular piece or merely some sort of fluke is yet unknown.

Very interesting either way

This post has been edited by Audible!: Apr 25 2004, 23:36

[QuantumKnot]

It makes me wonder whether it is really only Mozart's music that causes the 'Mozart Effect' or whether other composers' work are capable of it. For example, I find some of Vivaldi's concertos very relaxing but more importantly, stimulating for the mind.

[harashin]

I saw Mozart effect books by Don G. Campbell were sold here in Japan as well...
Weirdly, one of them is actually written about caring of skin.

Paul Mauriat's easy listening tracks(e.g. "El Bimbo", "Love is blue", etc) seem to be more suitable for relaxing anyway. (At least to compare with Mozart's "Don Giovanni")

This post has been edited by harashin: May 26 2004, 17:39

[rebel wallflower]

It makes me wonder whether it is really only Mozart's music that causes the 'Mozart Effect' or whether other composers' work are capable of it.  For example, I find some of Vivaldi's concertos very relaxing but more importantly, stimulating for the mind.

The fact that some of Mozart's music mimics certain brain wave patterns in his music is what stimulates the mind. It doesn't necessarily have to be Mozart though. Any composer from the same period has a similar style and might also enhance brain activity. It's important to realize the underlying cause of this phenomena. Vivaldi has some good violin concertos that work and so does Bach with his six cello suites. Any of them are good to listen to while trying to read or work or study.

[Jan S.]

It is unclear if the effect is long or short term. It is also unclear if the effect is caused by the specific music or general "enjoyment arousal".
Read here: Mozart effect.

[Digga]

this topic is very controversial.
there are studies that confirm the 'Mozart effect' and others that can't reproduce it.
IIRC then there are more empirical studies that can't find evidence for the existence of the effect. that is also what I learned in my studies.
(I don't have examples at hand right now however. if wanted I could dig em up again in some time ITF).

however, this effect is marketed very extensively in forms of literature, workshops and programs. seeing that it not proved at all I can only shake my head at this.

edit: spelling

This post has been edited by Digga: Apr 29 2005, 19:21