How Shakespeare and his contemporaries used music to rouse emotions

Music is one of the most powerful tools through which films and TV programmes affect us. We might hear a sad melody that brings us to tears, a creepy tune that gives us goosebumps, or a funny song that compels us to laugh.

This effect is not limited to the silver and small screen. In his plays, William Shakespeare used music in a multitude of ways to delight, amuse, relax, confuse and frighten his audiences – and so did many of his contemporaries.

In my new book,

© La Conversation - jeudi 30 juillet 2026