Musical Emotions Explained delves into the intricate relationship between music and human emotion. Authored by Patrik N. Juslin, this extensively researched work examines how music both expresses and arouses emotions, making it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the profound impact of musical experiences. Illustrated with examples from everyday life, the book explores a wide range of affective states evoked by music—from basic physiological responses to complex aesthetic emotions. Juslin discusses why our ancient psychological mechanisms engage with meanings in music at various brain levels, providing insights into how these mechanisms contribute to emotional reactions.

The book is not only rich in content but also accessible and engaging for both lay readers and specialists alike. Through clear explanations and rigorous analysis, it addresses fundamental questions such as whether music can truly arouse emotions, why different listeners may respond differently to the same piece of music, and how these responses compare to other emotional experiences. Additionally, it explores the phenomenon of fictional events in art being perceived as real despite our knowledge that they are not, emphasizing the profound role of music in human life.

Published by Oxford University Press on May 21, 2019, with an ISBN of 978-0198753421 and a print length of 624 pages, Musical Emotions Explained is a comprehensive exploration into the multifaceted nature of music and its emotional impact. With its engaging style and depth of research, it stands as a significant contribution to the field of music psychology.