How is it possible that music — a sequence of abstract sounds — is able to represent and evoke such strong emotions? And how is this emotional power (mis)used in our society? In this panel we will revisit the day’s preceding talks and juxtapose different viewpoints from music psychology, philosophy and ethnomusicology on music and emotion before going a step further and discussing how much power can be found within the manipulating capacities of music.

How thin is the line between appeasement, empathy and social connectedness versus manipulation, propaganda and intoxication? What is the fine difference between political statement and art? And what are the consequences for our academic but also everyday approaches to music?