Relax

Inspired by ice crystals in the winter air and the halo-like apparitions they create -- aka "sundogs" -- composer John Luther Adams' "Sky with Four Suns" blooms with the bright light of 45 cellos.

Ever wonder how sound and music affects your central nervous system? Turns out it's similar to how it affects dogs. Heather McElhatton interviews classical pianist and "dog music" composer Lisa Spector, and psychoacoustics researcher Joshua Leeds about their collaborative project, "Through a Dog's Ear."

As Christmas 1914 approached, opposing armies famously put their differences aside and shared common celebrations. It's a story that's been preserved in many ways, including in the stage show, 'All Is Calm', a co-production of Theater Latte Da and Cantus. Learn more and enter for a chance to win tickets to the show.

Scientists have found that music can reduce sympathetic nervous system activity; decrease anxiety, blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate; and possibly have positive effects on sleep in regards to muscle relaxation and distraction from vexing thoughts.

It's Tuesday evening, and after a four-week hiatus, I'm finally attending chorus rehearsal again - but I haven't assumed my usual place on the risers. I'm seated toward the back of the hall, awaiting a cue from my director and trying to curtail the explorations of my new companion: an 18-month-old black Labrador.

Music is often most affecting when a performance is so natural, and a composition so well-crafted, that a listener is able to let go and relax into a state of pure experience. But what is it that allows music to bestow this state upon a listener?

With a master's degree in piano performance from Manhattan School of Music, Edith Moore-Hubert has performed in academic, liturgical, medical, and concert settings for almost 30 years. In 2010, she released a solo CD, Music to Calm Your Soul. She describes her music as therapeutic, and I asked her to share some insight into the healing potential of classical music.

As a music major at the tail end of my college career, I've led a rewarding, though exhausting, last few years. The time I spend practicing piano (my main instrument), going to lessons, classes, rehearsals, and studying - not to mention working a part-time job - can add up to 16-hour days, most of it filled with music. So it amazes me that after all that activity, listening to music is still the way that I choose to relax.

Many people turn to classical music for relaxation, but actually playing the music takes a lot of effort and concentration. What do classical musicians do to unwind after snapping their instrument cases closed?

I live where the land is on fire. Western North Dakota, the area of the country experiencing the Bakken oil boom, is marked by flares and pump jacks, oil rigs and semis, rapid development and expansion.