Melancholy music Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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melancholy music

[ˈmɛlənkəli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

listening to

A feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.

Synonyms

despair, gloom, sadness, sorrow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
melancholy music	This term is best used when talking about music that evokes a feeling of gentle, reflective sadness without being outright depressing. I often listen to melancholy music when I'm in a contemplative mood. The film's score was filled with melancholy music that perfectly matched the sorrowful scenes.
sadness	Sadness is a general term for feeling unhappy and is widely applicable in many different situations. She felt a deep sadness after her pet passed away. There was a note of sadness in his voice when he spoke about the past.
sorrow	Sorrow is a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other serious misfortune. He was unable to hide his sorrow at the funeral. The story is filled with moments of profound sorrow.
gloom	Gloom refers to a state of darkness or a feeling of low spirits. It is often used for situations that are somewhat depressing but not entirely hopeless. The gloomy weather made everyone feel down. There was a sense of gloom in the room after the bad news was announced.
despair	Despair is used in situations where there is a complete loss of hope and extreme sadness. After losing his job, he was filled with despair. The characters in the novel faced moments of deep despair.

Examples of usage

The sound of melancholy music filled the room.
Her poems are full of melancholy and longing.
I could sense a touch of melancholy in his voice.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

creating

A musical composition that has a mournful or pensive character.

Synonyms

mournful composition, pensive melody, sorrowful music.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
melancholy music	This phrase is suitable when describing music that evokes a gentle, reflective sadness, often used in a sophisticated or literary context. She turned on some melancholy music that perfectly matched her mood. The film's soundtrack was filled with melancholy music that underlined the protagonist's journey.

Word

Description / Examples

melancholy music

This phrase is suitable when describing music that evokes a gentle, reflective sadness, often used in a sophisticated or literary context.

She turned on some melancholy music that perfectly matched her mood.
The film's soundtrack was filled with melancholy music that underlined the protagonist's journey.

Examples of usage

The composer poured his melancholy into the music.
The melancholy music evoked strong emotions in the audience.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'melancholy' comes from the Greek word 'melancholia,' which means 'black bile,' relating to ancient beliefs about bodily fluids affecting mood.
In the Middle Ages, tunes associated with melancholy were often linked to the concept of 'humors' and were thought to reflect a person's inner state.

Psychology

Melancholy music can evoke feelings of nostalgia, helping listeners process emotions related to loss or longing.
Research shows that listening to sad music can actually improve mood by providing comfort and understanding of one's own feelings.

Literature

Many poets, like John Keats and Edgar Allan Poe, often drew inspiration from melancholy music, intertwining themes of beauty and sadness in their works.
The concept of the 'melancholic hero' in literature reflects characters who experience deep emotions, often heightened by the music that captures their essence.

Pop Culture

Iconic films like 'The Piano' and 'Amélie' feature melancholy soundtracks that enhance the emotional depth of the stories.
Many contemporary artists, including Adele and Radiohead, use melancholy tones in their music to convey complex feelings and experiences that resonate with wide audiences.

Science

Studies have found that listening to emotional music activates areas of the brain associated with feeling pleasure, even if the music itself feels sad.
The phenomenon known as 'frisson' occurs in response to powerful music, often associated with emotional intensity, which can include melancholy pieces.

Origin of 'melancholy music'

The word 'melancholy' has its origins in ancient Greek philosophy, where it was believed to be one of the four temperaments along with sanguine, choleric, and phlegmatic. In medieval times, melancholy was associated with an excess of black bile, one of the four humors in the body. Over time, the word evolved to represent a deep sadness or sorrow, often without a specific reason. In music, melancholy compositions have been popular throughout history for their ability to evoke strong emotions in listeners.