Theory of Musical Equilibration

Introduction

The Theory of Musical Equilibration (Theorie der musikalischen Äquilibration) is a psychological and cognitive approach to understanding how music conveys emotions. It was developed by Bernd Willimek and Daniela Willimek, and it challenges traditional views that music directly expresses emotions. Instead, this theory proposes that music influences the listener's sense of equilibrium, leading to emotional responses.

Core Principles of the Theory

Music Does Not Express Emotion Directly

Unlike traditional theories that suggest music "expresses" emotions, the Equilibration Theory argues that music triggers emotions by influencing the listener’s sense of balance or tension.

Musical Tension and Resolution

Different harmonic structures, chord progressions, and tonal changes create a sense of instability or stability, leading the listener to unconsciously identify with the music's resolution process.

For example, a major chord does not express happiness itself but rather conveys a feeling of stability, which the listener may associate with happiness.

The Listener's Interpretation Matters

The emotional response to music is not inherent in the sound but comes from the listener’s interpretation of musical tension and resolution.

For example, a diminished chord might not inherently "sound sad," but it creates an unstable state, which the listener interprets based on their psychological response to tension.

Harmony as a Psychological Trigger

Certain harmonies and cadences create different forms of tension, which can be resolved (leading to positive feelings) or left unresolved (leading to negative or ambiguous emotions).

A perfect cadence (V-I) leads to a strong sense of resolution, making it sound "satisfying" or "complete." A minor chord or an unresolved cadence leaves a feeling of "incompleteness," often linked to sadness or melancholy.

Examples in Music

1. Beethoven – Symphony No. 5 in C Minor (Opening)

Musical Elements: The famous "da-da-da-daa" motif (short-short-short-long rhythm) starts with a dominant chord moving towards resolution.

Equilibration Analysis:

• The staccato and strong dynamics create a feeling of instability.
• The unresolved tension in the opening bars makes listeners experience a sense of struggle or fate knocking at the door.
• When the music finally moves towards resolution, it feels triumphant, as though overcoming adversity.

2. Chopin – Prelude in E Minor (Op. 28, No. 4)

Musical Elements: A slow, descending harmonic progression using minor chords.

Equilibration Analysis:

• The descending bass line gives a feeling of resignation or sadness.
• The lack of strong resolution until the final chord creates a sense of longing or emotional weight.
• The listener’s mind interprets the gradual harmonic descent as a loss of equilibrium, evoking sorrow.

3. Bach – Air on the G String

Musical Elements: Smooth, flowing melodies with stable harmonic progressions.

Equilibration Analysis:

• The use of diatonic harmonies and stepwise motion creates a calming effect.
• The listener experiences equilibrium rather than tension, leading to a feeling of peace and balance.
• Unlike Beethoven's 5th, which disturbs equilibrium, this piece restores it.

4. Mozart – Requiem (Lacrimosa)

Musical Elements: A minor key with dramatic leaps and unresolved chords.

Equilibration Analysis:

• The sudden dynamic changes and minor harmonies create instability, evoking feelings of mourning.
• The frequent suspensions and dissonances keep the listener in a state of emotional imbalance.
• The tension does not fully resolve, which mirrors the feeling of eternal sorrow.