Music soothes the soul for mothers and unborn babies

Developmental psychologists from Columbia University, William Fifer and Michael Myers, proved in the early 20th century that even unborn babies could hear sound. Since then, scientists and musicians have studied how music affects the development of a fetus. That research has led to the development of prenatal care through musical therapy.
The Mono Ensemble chamber music orchestra will present the “Maternity Music Concert” for pregnant women and their husbands on Oct. 23 in Young San Art Hall. The concert will feature musical performances by a string quartet, as well as woodwind instrument and daegeum (large traditional cross flute) performances.
As seen in the concert’s subtitle, “The beautiful sound of vibration for the fetus,” the ensemble will use instruments that can produce vibrations, because fetuses cannot hear melodies but they can hear, or feel, undertone vibration.
The ears of a fetus begin forming six weeks after conception, and a fetus eventually develops the hearing ability of an adult. Some scientists say that playing music for the fetus can help develop its brain function and affect natural mental capacity and personality.
The ensemble will perform classical music and Korean traditional music as well as familiar movie soundtracks.
The program has classical pieces, including “Zigeunerweisen” by Pablo de Sarasate and the “Autumn” part of “The Four Seasons” by Vivaldi, and original soundtracks, including tango music from “The Scent of a Woman,” and an oboe piece from “The Mission.”
Before the musical performance, there will be an explanation of the music to help the audience understand the pieces performed on stage. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. A second concert is scheduled for Nov. 20.
Tickets can be purchased on the Internet (ticketlink.co.kr). Ticket prices range from 15,000 won ($9) to 45,000 won. For more information, visit www.tg.monomusic.net (Korean only) or call (02) 566-9987.

by Limb Jae-un