"Healing" through classical music

Social media has "inadvertently" broken down the wall of prejudice that classical music is distant and inaccessible.

In recent years, from playlists like "Study with Mozart," "Deep Focus Piano," and "Neo-classical for Reading" on Spotify to millions of videos with hashtags like #ClassicalMusic or #Classictok on TikTok, instrumental music has become a part of the daily lives of the generation born with the internet.

When young souls "meet" a century-old melody.

On TikTok, the hashtag #Classictok has garnered hundreds of millions of views with content revolving around the works of Beethoven, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Debussy. These musical pieces, once featured in music textbooks, are now retold through memes, short videos, or interesting stories about the composers' lives.

Many young people learned about "Moonlight Sonata" not from school, but from a viral video. Others sought out Chopin after watching films that used classical music as background music. Social media inadvertently broke down the wall of prejudice that classical music was distant and inaccessible. Ironically, the very platform that was thought to impair concentration has helped bring classical music closer to young people.

Behind this seemingly paradoxical shift lie profound changes in the psychology and spiritual needs of young people in the digital age. Gen Z grew up in an information-saturated environment. In just a few minutes of browsing TikTok, users can be bombarded with dozens of videos with fast-paced editing, intense sound, and a massive amount of information. Media experts call this "overstimulation"—sensory overload.

In a world where every app competes for attention, the ability to concentrate is becoming an increasingly rare skill. Many young people are beginning to seek out "mental oases" that allow them to study, work, or simply relax without being swept up in a whirlwind of notifications and short messages. Classical and neoclassical music fulfills this need. There are no lyrics to distract attention. No addictive choruses or powerful drops like EDM. The music is left with only melody, rhythm, and pure emotion. Piano pieces by Ludovico Einaudi, Yiruma, or Max Richter become familiar companions during late-night study sessions, coffee shop work hours, or moments requiring intense concentration.

While young people previously turned to lo-fi (simple, natural sounds to create a relaxing, nostalgic feeling) as a learning aid, neoclassical music is now gradually becoming the new "coffee shop music." If traditional classical music helps Gen Z discover the beauty of academic art, neoclassical music acts as a bridge between the past and the present. Unlike symphonies that last for tens of minutes, neoclassical music is often more minimalist, easier to listen to, and closer to the emotions of modern life.

Artists such as Ludovico Einaudi, Ólafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm, and Max Richter use piano and violin in combination with contemporary sound technology to create works that possess both classical depth and appeal to modern tastes. This makes neoclassical music an ideal choice for a generation that values ​​personal emotion but does not want to be pressured by overly complex musical structures.

Many young people view piano and classical music playlists as a "productivity tool" in their studies and work. (Screenshot)

A healing trend or a need for slower living?

The resurgence of classical music is not simply a trend in music listening. It reflects a growing need for mental balance among young people. Previously, music was often used to stir emotions, but now, more and more young people are using it to soothe their feelings. The popularity of playlists like "Focus Music," "Calm Piano," "Deep Work," or "Stress Relief Classical" on music streaming platforms shows that users are viewing music as a tool for mental health care.

The fact that Gen Z loves classical music doesn't mean they've turned their backs on pop or mainstream music trends. More importantly, the tastes of young audiences are becoming more diverse and profound. "This shift shows that today's young generation is no longer limited by genre boundaries. They are willing to explore any genre if it meets their emotional and spiritual needs. In an era where everything moves faster, perhaps the greatest appeal of classical and neoclassical music lies in something very simple: giving listeners a chance to slow down, focus more, and listen to themselves amidst the noise of the digital world," commented musician Vo Thien Thanh.

For many young people today, music is becoming a part of their self-care routine, even seen as a kind of "soft sedative" to help them balance their emotions amidst increasingly stressful lives. On TikTok, the "Low Cortisol Music" trend is spreading with millions of views. Videos showcasing music that helps relax, reduce stress, and create a sense of peace are appearing more and more frequently.

It's noteworthy that not only international songs, but also some Vietnamese songs have unexpectedly gained international acceptance thanks to their embodiment of this spirit. "Ai đưa em về" (Who Will Take You Home) is a prime example, used by many foreign content creators as background music for videos about slow living, nature, or healing moments.

"Of course, music cannot replace psychologists, medication, or professional mental health care. A lofi playlist cannot address the root causes of depression or anxiety disorders."

However, that doesn't mean music is without value. Just like a hot cup of tea doesn't cure all problems but still makes people feel better, music can help regulate emotions, reduce feelings of loneliness, and create much-needed mental rest. The issue isn't whether music has "miraculous healing" properties, but rather its ability to help people temporarily restore emotional energy," musician OnlyC asserted.

Experts believe that music is no longer chosen based on the popularity of the artist or the chart-topping song. Instead, listeners seek the feeling the song evokes. In other words, music is being consumed as a tool for regulating emotions. This is a notable shift in modern music listening culture.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/chua-lanh-bang-nhac-co-dien-196260603195355727.htm