Listening to Beethoven

What do you do to cope with all of the bad news?

In Right Where You Are Sitting Now, Robert Anton Wilson writes, "I believe in Beethoven, the mediator and comforter" (in the "Credo" chapter).

And indeed, I do tend to listen to Beethoven in stressful situations. I am listening to Beethoven now, along with other classical music.

I asked Eric Wagner what it's like for him, and he wrote, "Yes, I can definitely relate to Beethoven’s healing power. I had a similar experience on Friday. In a foul mood I turned on the radio and heard Faure’s Requiem. That really hit the spot.

"Two nights ago I had a dream about Mahler, so I’ve listened to a bunch of Mahler the last two days. Music seems to have tremendous metaprogramming power."

Related: During the pandemic, various classical music sources are offering free music, for example the Metropolitan Opera is streaming an opera for free every night.