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About this quote

What does it mean?
Stendhal describes how Mozart's music bypasses intellectual processing to touch the soul directly with melancholy.
In plain terms
Mozart's music hits the heart before the mind understands it.
What can you take from it?
Music can evoke emotion without needing explanation.

Where it applies

  • listening experiences
  • music reviews
  • emotional responses

Putting it to work

  • discussing music
  • writing reviews
  • therapy

Questions to consider

  • How does music affect your feelings immediately?

Another view

Not all listeners feel this direct emotional invasion.

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