"Great music does not just make me feel good. It means something. It makes us understand. It makes us happy"

Great music holds a power that resonates far beyond surface-level pleasure. Rather than being merely a source of enjoyment, its influence reaches into the realm of meaning and understanding. When Lukas Foss highlights that "It means something", he draws attention to music's fundamental role in conveying and evoking profound insights about our lives, experiences, and emotions. Through harmonies, melodies, and rhythms, music communicates what words sometimes cannot capture: the complexity of joy, sorrow, longing, and hope. Listeners find reflections of their own stories and aspirations woven into the notes of a symphony, the verses of a song, or the improvisational flights of jazz.

The phrase "It makes us understand" suggests that music is an instrument of empathy and enlightenment. As melodies unfold, they reveal perspectives different from our own, creating a universal language that bridges cultural barriers and personal differences. In moments where verbal explanation comes short, music closes the gap, allowing us to feel what others feel, and to see the world through someone else’s eyes. It grants access to the interior landscapes of composers, musicians, and fellow listeners alike, fostering a sense of connection and shared humanity.

Its ultimate effect, as Foss notes, is to make us happy. However, this happiness is not rooted solely in escapism or momentary pleasure. Instead, it is a deep-seated joy born from understanding and resonance. When music speaks to us, when we understand its meaning, and when it taps into our most vital emotions, we experience fulfillment. The happiness that arises is informed and enriched by the insight music provides, making it more lasting and significant. Thus, great music is transformative, moving us to reflection, comprehension, and genuine happiness, changing the way we feel not by distraction, but through revelation and connection.