Another Bach installment, with (possibly) a splash of Newton:

Scientists discover most relaxing tune ever

A British band and a group of scientists have made the most relaxing tune in the history of man, an Mp3 of which is at the bottom of this article.

Sound therapists and Manchester band Marconi Union compiled the song. Scientists played it to 40 women and found it to be more effective at helping them relax than songs by Enya, Mozart and Coldplay.

Weightless works by using specific rhythms, tones, frequencies and intervals to relax the listener. A continuous rhythm of 60 BPM causes the brainwaves and heart rate to synchronise with the rhythm: a process known as ‘entrainment’. Low underlying bass tones relax the listener and a low whooshing sound with a trance-like quality takes the listener into an even deeper state of calm.  …

The “weightless” piece can be downloaded at the link.  Personally, I don’t think it was that relaxing compared with something more rythmic such “Falling” by Kate Rusby (as featured on Wonders of the Universe) , or even more so, this song from Anne Briggs:

Just rediscovered this one.  A beautiful song from Sandy Denny with Dave Swarbrick on fiddle, accompanied by some stunning photographs:

What do you think?

What is your favourite relaxation music?