Andrew Brian Horner horner@cse.ust.hk
Department of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR
–The research described in this Acoustics Lay Language Paper may not have yet been peer reviewed–
Music has a unique way of moving us emotionally, but have you ever wondered how individual sounds shape these feelings?
In our study, we looked at how different features of violin notes—like pitch (the height of the notes), dynamics (the loudness of the sounds), and vibrato (how the note vibrates)—combine to create emotional responses. While previous research often focuses on each feature in isolation, we explored how they interact, revealing how the violin’s sounds evoke specific emotions.
To conduct this study, we used single-note recordings from the violin at different pitches, two levels of dynamics (loud and soft), and two vibrato settings (no vibrato and high vibrato). We invited participants to listen to these sounds and rate their emotional responses using a scale of emotional positivity (valence) and intensity (arousal). Participants also selected which emotions they felt from a list of 16 emotions, such as joyful, nervous, relaxed, or agitated.
Audio 1. The experiment used a violin single-note sample (middle C pitch + loud dynamics + no vibrato).
Audio 2. The experiment used a violin single-note sample (middle C pitch + soft dynamics + no vibrato).
Audio 3. The experiment used a violin single-note sample (middle C pitch + loud dynamics + high vibrato).
Audio 4. The experiment used a violin single-note sample (middle C pitch + loud dynamics + high vibrato).
Our findings reveal that each element plays a unique role in shaping emotions. As shown in Figure 1, higher pitches and strong vibrato generally raised emotional intensity, creating feelings of excitement or tension. Lower pitches were more likely to evoke sadness or calmness, while loud dynamics made emotions feel more intense. Surprisingly, sounds without vibrato were linked to calmer emotions, while vibrato added energy and excitement, especially for emotions like anger or fear. And Figure 2 illustrates how strong vibrato enhances emotions like anger and sadness, while the absence of vibrato correlates with calmer feelings.
Figure 1. Pitch, Dynamics, and Vibrato average ratings on valence-arousal with different levels. It shows that higher pitches and strong vibrato increase arousal, while soft dynamics and no vibrato are linked to higher valence, highlighting pitch as the most influential factor.
Figure 2. Pitch, Dynamics, and Vibrato average ratings on 16 emotions. It shows that strong vibrato enhances angry and sad emotions, while no vibrato supports calm emotions; higher pitches increase arousal for angry emotions, and brighter tones evoke calm and happy emotions.
Our research provides insights for musicians, composers, and even music therapists, helping them understand how to use the violin’s features to evoke specific emotions. With this knowledge, violinists can fine-tune their performance to match the emotional impact they aim to create, and composers can carefully select sounds that resonate with listeners’ emotional expectations.
Department of Department of Computer Science and Engineering
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Hong Kong SAR
Andrew Brian Horner horner@cse.ust.hk
Department of Department of Computer Science and Engineering
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Hong Kong SAR
–The research described in this Acoustics Lay Language Paper may not have yet been peer reviewed–
Music speaks to us across cultures, but can the instruments we choose shape our emotions in different ways?
This study compares the emotional responses evoked by two similar yet culturally distinct string instruments: the Chinese erhu and the Western violin. Both are bowed string instruments, but they have distinct sounds and cultural roles that could lead listeners to experience different emotions. Our research focuses on whether these instruments, along with variations in performance and listener familiarity, influence emotional intensity in unique ways.
Western violin performance example: violinist Ray Chan playing ‘Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64’
Chinese erhu performance example: erhu player Guo Gan playing the Chinese piece ‘Horse Racing’ (feat. Pianist Lang Lang)
To explore these questions, we conducted three online listening experiments. Participants were asked to listen to a series of short musical pieces performed on both the erhu and violin. They then rated each piece using two emotional measures: specific emotion categories (such as happy, sad, calm, and agitated) and emotional positivity and intensity.
Our results show clear emotional differences between the instruments. The violin often evokes positive, energetic emotions, which may be due to its bright tone and dynamic range. By contrast, the erhu tends to evoke sadness, possibly because of its softer timbre and its traditional association with melancholy in Chinese music.
Interestingly, familiarity with the instrument played a significant role in listeners’ emotional responses. Those who were more familiar with the violin rated the pieces as more emotionally intense, suggesting that cultural background and previous exposure shape how we emotionally connect with music. However, our analysis also found that different performances of the same piece generally did not change emotional ratings, emphasizing that the instrument itself is a major factor in shaping our emotional experience.
These findings open new paths for understanding how cultural context and personal experiences influence our emotional reactions to music. The distinct emotional qualities of the erhu and violin reveal how musical instruments can evoke different emotional responses, even when playing the same piece.
–The research described in this Acoustics Lay Language Paper may not have yet been peer reviewed–
During our daily tasks, we spend a lot of time getting things done. When walking, some people may find it boring and feel like time drags on. On the other hand, some see it as a chance to think and plan ahead. Our researchers believe that we can use this short period of time to help people rebalance their emotions. This way, individuals can feel refreshed and energized as they walk to their next destination.
Our idea is to provide each participant with a specific music playlist to listen to while walking. The playlists consisted of Uplifting, Relaxing, Angry, and Sad music, each lasting for 15 minutes. While our listeners were walking, they were using our Emotion Equalization App (Figures 1a to 1d) for accessing the playlist and collect all users’ data.
Figures 1a to 1d: The interface of the Emotion Equalization App
The key data we focused on was assessing the changes in emotions. To understand the listeners’ emotions, we used the Self-Assessment Manikin scale (SAM), a visual tool that helps depict emotions based on internal energy levels and mood positivity (refer to Figure 2). After the tests, we analyzed at how their emotions changed before and after listening to the music.
Figure 2: The Self-Assessment Manikin scale, showing energy levels at the top and mood positivity at the bottom [1]
The study found that the type of music influenced how far participants walked. Those listening to Uplifting music walked the farthest, followed by Angry, Relaxing, and Sad music. It was as expected that the music’s energy could affect the participants’ physical energy.
So, if music can affect physical energy, can it also have a positive effect on emotions? Can negative music help in mood regulation? An unexpected finding was that Angry music was found to be the most effective therapeutic music for walking. Surprisingly, listening to Angry music while walking not only elevated internal energy levels but also promoted positive feelings. On the other hand, Uplifting and Sad music only elicited positive emotions in listeners. However, Relaxing music during walking did not contribute to increased internal energy levels or positive feelings. This result breaks the impression on the therapeutic use of music while engaging in walking activities. Angry music has a negative vibe, but our study proved it to be beneficial in helping individuals relieve stress while walking, ultimately enhancing internal energy and mood.
If you’re having a tough day, consider listening to an Angry music playlist while taking a walk. It can help in balancing your emotions and uplifting your mood for your next activity.
[1] A. Mehrabian and J. A. Russell, An approach to environmental psychology. in An approach to environmental psychology. Cambridge, MA, US: The MIT Press, 1974, pp. xii, 266.
Figure 1. Pitch, Dynamics, and Vibrato average ratings on valence-arousal with different levels. It shows that higher pitches and strong vibrato increase arousal, while soft dynamics and no vibrato are linked to higher valence, highlighting pitch as the most influential factor.
Figure 1. Pitch, Dynamics, and Vibrato average ratings on valence-arousal with different levels. It shows that higher pitches and strong vibrato increase arousal, while soft dynamics and no vibrato are linked to higher valence, highlighting pitch as the most influential factor.
Figure 2. Pitch, Dynamics, and Vibrato average ratings on 16 emotions. It shows that strong vibrato enhances angry and sad emotions, while no vibrato supports calm emotions; higher pitches increase arousal for angry emotions, and brighter tones evoke calm and happy emotions.
Figure 2. Pitch, Dynamics, and Vibrato average ratings on 16 emotions. It shows that strong vibrato enhances angry and sad emotions, while no vibrato supports calm emotions; higher pitches increase arousal for angry emotions, and brighter tones evoke calm and happy emotions.
Figures 1a to 1d: The interface of the Emotion Equalization App
Figure 2: The Self-Assessment Manikin scale, showing energy levels at the top and mood positivity at the bottom [1]