Self-Care Like a Victorian Series, Part 4: Turn Up the Phonograph

April 14th, 2020 |

The Victorian Era was a great time of achievement and growth, not only economically but culturally. Romanticism and Impressionism gained prominence in the art world, Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe published their popular novels, and music halls became a popular part of everyday life. Following the lead of the London Philharmonic Society, established 1813, and the Royal Academy of Music, chartered 1830, a conductor and composer founded the New York Philharmonic in 1842. Closer to home and later in the Victorian period, Central Moravian Church organist John Frederick Wolle founded the Bach Choir of Bethlehem in 1898.

These new musical institutions attracted people of all classes and encouraged Victorian citizens to live healthier lifestyles. Songwriters like Stephen Foster and James Bland wrote popular songs you may know. Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits of music enjoyed by the Victorians.

Improves Mood

Victorians recognized that music could impact your mood. For many Victorians, life wasn’t easy; sometimes it was hard to find happiness in daily life. Listening to music not only uplifted one’s spirit but helped create a sense of community. Modern studies show that music can benefit your overall well-being, create happiness, and help to regulate one’s emotions. 

Reduces Stress

Everyday life was hard for those who faced extreme hunger, poverty, and long hours in busy factories. On top of these everyday challenges, people also faced war (the Mexican-American War, Civil War, and Spanish-American War all occurred during this period), incredible inequality, and major social change. Overall, life in the Victorian era was very stressful. Many were able reduce that stress by listening to or playing music, something we still do today.

Improves Memory 

The Victorian Era was one of great advancement in thought. Music could have played a key role in this thinking and have allowed for more knowledge to be learned and understood at the time. Recent studies have found music beneficial to creating a healthier mind. Repetitive elements such as rhythm and melody help your brain enhance your memory through pattern recognition.

Provides Comfort

English clergyman Frederick Kill Harford experimented with music therapy for the comfort and recovery of both the mentally and physically ill. To this day it is used in hospitals to help those who are lonely, angry, ill, frightful, going into surgery, or nearing the end of their lives. You may find comfort in a soothing melody or certain lyrics in your favorite song. 

 Relax a little by listening to popular Victorian music or trying a more contemporary playlist.

We hope that you enjoyed learning about music in the Victorian era! Please consider supporting content like this at HBMS! https://www.historicbethlehem.org/support/donate/

Tara O’Keefe is the spring 2020 collections management intern at Historic Bethlehem Museum and Sites. She is a senior at The College of New Jersey majoring in anthropology and international studies.

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