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Federico Bonacossa grew up in Sardinia — an Italian island. When he found out about the damage the COVID-19 was causing on his beloved hometown, he felt powerless. His elderly parents and most of his family were there, but as the situation grew worse, it was clear he couldn't go back Bonacossa, who teaches music history and theory at Florida International University (FIU) did the one thing he could. He took to his guitar and performed a popular Sardinian song titled “No potho reposare” (I cannot rest), which speaks to the hearts of the Sardinian people.
He posted his performance on Facebook, with this heartfelt comment: “To my fellow Sardinians who at the moment are going through a very challenging time. I hope this beautiful song can uplift your spirits, if just for a minute.” The positive feedback and appreciation poured in through social media.
Why? How does music bring people together, even during the coronavirus?
“Music has a way of making us feel more connected to others,” says Karen Fuller, director of the School of Music. “Many studies show that music helps neurologically (与神经有关地), that’s where we get music therapy (疗法). Music is a universal language that doesn't need words to have you express emotion.”
Fulle explains, “That sound, that instrument, connects you to something and makes you feel grounded. It makes you ‘feel’— even if it’s just for a moment, but that moment really has a healing (治愈) power, a mental and emotional kind of healing power. You might come back to reality after, but you are able to face that reality differently.”
“Music is strongly personal. That’s part of its healing ability,” says Vindhya Khare, an instructor at FIU.
“Music is so much a part of our lives,” she continues. “We all have music that speaks to us, individual playlists that aren’t the same as anyone else’s. We carefully select our lists. These are song that speak to our lives. These songs become a soundtrack to our lives.”
1. Why did Bonacossa post his performance online?
A. To popularize Sardinian songs.
B. To show his concern about his family.
C. To inspire his fellow people through the tough days.
D. To collect feedback and appreciation from social media users.
2. Why does music have a healing power?
A. It helps us keep contact with others.
B. It carries our emotion through words.
C. It enables us to see the reality clearly.
D. It has a comforting effect on our nerves.
3. What characteristic does healing music have according to Vindhya?
A. Creative. B. Individually-specific.
C. Recreational. D. Universally-accepted.
