Wednesday, March 15, 2023
A Perfect Example Of The Power Of Music, And How It Can Deeply Touch The Heart
Having been in the fragrance industry for over 30 years, I can tell you through research and my personal experience that scent has the ability to invoke strong memories; whether they are positive or negative. The moment you smell something, such as a perfume, certain foods, spicy pipe tobacco, a flower or an herb, you will immediately correlate it to a memory. Therefore, in the future, whenever you smell that aroma, the memory will be reignited.
And it's the same with music.
I can hear a recording of Nat King Cole singing Smile and instantly think of my mother because it was one of her all-time favorite songs. In fact, whenever I hear it, I get very emotional because my heart becomes filled with such wonderful memories.
I can also hear a recording of YMCA from The Village People, and am reminded of my 1970s pot-smoking disco party days in New York City; wearing platform shoes and a polyester shirt.
And what I find so magical about music in particular, is that it's universal. Meaning, it doesn't matter the language of a song, you can still understand it because music overrides any language and goes straight to the heart.
Music is the one language we all understand.
For instance, I remember seeing the Italian opera La Boheme without reading the subtitles that were projected above the stage, and knowing exactly what the singers were conveying because I could feel it through my entire body. I didn't need to see the words.
Which brings me to the reason for my post today.
A few days ago, while sitting in my favorite cafe sipping an Americano, I discovered a reel on Instagram and was immediately taken in.
The title was: "Ballerina with Alzheimer's Remembers Her Golden Days"
Her name was Marta Cinta González Saldaña, and she was a principal dancer, choreographer and artistic director of her own company in New York City “Rosamunda”
In this short reel, she appears with Pepe Olmedo, who is a psychologist and a musician.
It is amazing to see how after just a few seconds of listening to Tchaikovsky’s music for Swan Lake, Marta remembered her golden days.
And please note how at one brief moment in the video when Marta gets confused, Pepe ever so gently lifts her hand and kisses it; instantly reconnecting her to the music. It's so touching.
This moment captured on video is a perfect example of the power of music!
(Just click on the start button and it will take you to the Instagram post. Also, be sure to click on the unmute button before watching)
(*here is the link to the Instagram post in case the above link doesn't work)
Have a beautiful week, everyone! 💗
*Note: You will find more information about the life of Marta Cinta González Saldaña at The Ballet Herald.
Oh my god Ron, this made me all verklempt! As soon as he touched and kissed her hand, I got so emotional. It was so beautiful watching Marta remember the music and dancing. And just so you know, I watched it three times!
ReplyDeleteEverything you said about the power of music and fragrance is so true. There are certain perfumes I used to wear back in college, and whenever I smell them again, I have such strong memories! And music too.
Touching post, Ron! I'm going to share it with a few friends who I know will enjoy it.
Okay, I'm going to watch the reel again. Lol! xo
Ron, what I found so touching was how you could actually see her expression change as she started to remember. And when Pepe kissed her hand, it immediately brought her back. So sweet! And I loved the images of the ballerina dancing as Marta listened. Do you think that was footage of her dancing when she was younger? It was so beautiful. And a perfect example of how powerful music can be. Like you said, it's the one thing we all understand because it's a universal language.
ReplyDeleteIronic you mentioned the scent of pipe tobacco because my grandfather smoked a pipe and would used a tobacco that smelled like cinnamon, nutmeg and tonka bean. So whenever I smell those things, I am reminded of him. Even though I don't smoke cigarettes, I loved them smell of pipe tobacco.
Beautiful post, Ron! Went straight to my heart.
Hola Denise!
ReplyDeleteLOL! I love that word....verklempt!
And I know, I did the same thing when he touched and kissed her hand. You have seen me in the middle of the cafe, trying to hold back my tears because I was so moved! I watched it at least five times while there, and then ten more times when I got home. Such a beautiful video clip, isn't it?
" There are certain perfumes I used to wear back in college, and whenever I smell them again, I have such strong memories! "
Yup, me as well! I have such an acute sense of smell, so scents/fragrances really effect me. Also, whenever I smell tomato sauce cooking, I immediately think of my childhood and having dinner at my grandmothers house.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise! Have a fantabulous rest of your day and week!
X
Hey there, Daniel!
ReplyDeleteYes, isn't that amazing to see? She went from 1 to 10 as she remembered through hearing the music. OMG, when he kissed her hand, I lost it. He was so gentle and compassionate. He instinctively knew what to do to bring her back.
"Do you think that was footage of her dancing when she was younger? It was so beautiful. And a perfect example of how powerful music can be."
Someone in the comment section of the post asked the same question. I responded by saying that I didn't think it was footage of Marta because it didn't seem vintage. I think the footage was of another ballerina dancing Swan Lake that they edited into the reel to show you what Marta might be envisioning as she remembered. But I could be wrong.
I too love the smell of pipe tobacco!!!! In fact, I wear a Tom Ford fragrance that smells like pipe tobacco and I always get so many compliments whenever I wear it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel! Always so nice to read your comments. Have a great rest of your day and week!
X
OMG. Reading this evoked a wide range of emotions in me.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I'd LOVE to see photos of your YMCA pot-smoking platform heel days.
Second, there is a wonderful documentary called Alive Inside that investigates music and the elderly and how it brings out memories in them, particularly in dementia patients.
The ballerina moved me because my oldest daughter's grandmother (my ex-mother-in-law) is being removed from life support this week after a nine-year battle with Alzheimer's. I've been noticing signs since the decision was made, and seeing this on your blog was so comforting.
The power of music. Amen.
I'll think of you every time I hear Nat King Cole's Smile.
Beautiful post as always, my friend. 😘💕
Helloooooooooooo there, Kari!
ReplyDelete"First, I'd LOVE to see photos of your YMCA pot-smoking platform heel days."
Okay, here is the link to a post I published in 2008 where I shared my passport photo from the 70s. It will give you an idea of my 1970s pot-smoking disco party days in New York City. Warning: I look CRAZY in the photo! -- http://www.triloquist.net/2008/12/my-old-passport-photo.html
And thank you so much for sharing about Alive Inside because before leaving my comment to you, I looked it up and found it online. I will watch it tonight.
"The ballerina moved me because my oldest daughter's grandmother (my ex-mother-in-law) is being removed from life support this week after a nine-year battle with Alzheimer's. I've been noticing signs since the decision was made."
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Several members of my own family battled Alzheimer's as well. My mother's father, being one. And that's one of the reasons why I think seeing that reel on Instagram affected me so much.
I made a video right my mother passed away of photographs of her from childhood until her death. And I used the song Smile for the soundtrack. I posted it back in 2012 as a tribute to her. I still cry when I watch it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantabulous day and week!
X
You know, Ron, I think some of this might be called muscle memory. It's kind of like getting back on a bicycle when you haven't ridden one in years -- it might take a bit to get your balance, but then your body just seems to know what it's supposed to do.
ReplyDeleteWhat a powerful video you've included here! Just watching her facial expression change as she slips back into ballerina mode -- despite being in a wheelchair -- is something to behold! I'm sure her caregivers should continually play this kind of music for her -- not only to stimulate her memories, but also for the sheer JOY of hearing it.
Music, indeed, is a universal language. Fragrances too. We're so intricately made, aren't we?? Have a great rest of your week, my friend. xx
Her memory just, literally, lighted up the room. So touching, so indearing. A tingling went up & down my spine!
ReplyDeleteAs for fragrances, the odor of fresh baked bread reminds me of my mother. Auto grease reminds me of my father (yes, he was a mechanic). Me? I wore Taboo. English leather and old spice for men. The scent of roses...rain on parched land, why even a feed lot can stir up memories!!
Ps...I just asked Bud about music and his response (always tearful-eyed) was "yes! On the dance floor after our engagement and you sang in my ear 'welcome to my world' by Eddy Arnold"!
ReplyDeleteHello there, Debbie!
ReplyDelete"Music, indeed, is a universal language. Fragrances too. We're so intricately made, aren't we??
Yes, we SURE are! And, you, being that you play the flute and are in a band creating music must totally understand the power of music and how deeply it can touch ones heart.
As you said, it could be called muscle memory. And hearing the familiar music cause that memory to return. Amazing, isn't it?
"Just watching her facial expression change as she slips back into ballerina mode -- despite being in a wheelchair -- is something to behold! I'm sure her caregivers should continually play this kind of music for her -- not only to stimulate her memories, but also for the sheer JOY of hearing it."
Isn't that AMAZING?!?! Even in her wheelchair, the music brought her back to a time when she danced. You can see it spark her memory. Oh how I wish I could have been there and seen this video clip in person. Yes, I'm sure her caregivers do play it for her.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend.
"Her memory just, literally, lighted up the room. So touching, so indearing. A tingling went up & down my spine!"
ReplyDeleteI had the same reaction, Anni! And I get that reaction every time I look at it again. It brings tears to my eyes to watch her light up!
"As for fragrances, the odor of fresh baked bread reminds me of my mother. Auto grease reminds me of my father (yes, he was a mechanic). Me? I wore Taboo. English leather and old spice for men. The scent of roses...rain on parched land, why even a feed lot can stir up memories!!"
Oh, what wonderful fragrance memories! And having been in the fragrance industry for 30 year, I TOTALLY remember Tabu!!!!! In fact, I clearly remember the scent AND the shape of the bottle. And I worn English Leather in High School!!! And any time I see a bottle of Old Spice, I think of my father because he worn that fragrance for years!
Don't you love the smell of rain? And I love that you can smell it even before it arrives.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your wonderful memories, my friend!
" On the dance floor after our engagement and you sang in my ear 'welcome to my world' by Eddy Arnold"!"
ReplyDeleteOMG, thank you for sharing that beautiful, musical memory! And speaking of Eddy Arnold and "Welcome to my World", my father had an E. A. album with that song on it!!!
What an amazing but oh so sad video, Ron. The power of music is unbelievable. My mother-in-law had Alzheimer’s, but she knew the words to many songs right up until the end. My husband would play music for her on his phone. Her favorite was La Bamba and it was a song and dance she always did with her students (she was a high school Spanish teacher).
ReplyDeleteThose songs from our past sure do take us back. On the rare occasion I hear ‘Celebration’ by Kool and the Gang, I’m right back in high school. One of these days, I’m doing a post on this topic. I just need to get my act together! Lol! And scents…..OMG, Marlboro cigarettes . . . It’s like I’m standing in line at an amusement park! Bahahaha! As much as I dislike seeing people smoke, it’s still a pleasant scent!
Did you get snow? We got quite a bit Monday night and I had a horrible drive! Someone spun out in front of me cause they took the turn too fast. Makes me nuts! Hope your week is a good one on this Ides of March. XO
Yes, the video is so bittersweet, I agree. I got very teary-eyed when I watched it. But I like things like this (and sharing it ) because it shows how hard life can be at times yet, mixed with beautiful, tender moments.
ReplyDelete"My mother-in-law had Alzheimer’s, but she knew the words to many songs right up until the end. My husband would play music for her on his phone. Her favorite was La Bamba and it was a song and dance she always did with her students (she was a high school Spanish teacher)."
Thank you so much for sharing that story because it adds to this post topic, by showing how powerful music is. And how it has the ability to override something like Alzheimer's; supplying moments of remembering. It's so touching! And btw, the love the song La Bamba!
OMG, 'Celebration' by Kool and the Gang.....YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That song totally reminds me of my time in NYC. Great tune! And I so look forward to your future post topic. Sounds like a GREAT one!!!
I smoked Marlboro Red's, and also Marlboro Lights. That's what I was smoking when I finally quit in 2015. Isn't something how even something like the smell of cigarettes gives you a memory? My whole family smoked, so yes, the smell is embedded in my genes. HA!
"I had a horrible drive! Someone spun out in front of me cause they took the turn too fast. Makes me nuts!"
Whew! I'm happy to know you're okay and didn't get in an accident.
Yes, we got some snow on Monday. But not very much. It snowed off and on all day long. Strange weather because it would get cloudy and snow, but then five minutes later the sun would come out and the snow stopped. It's been very cold the past several days. Which I'm enjoying.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. And OMG, I totally forgot about the Ides of March being today!
X
Ron, from someone who used to take ballet classes, watching her remember her golden days touched me so deeply. And I could tell she was a ballerina from the way she moved her hands. Also, even though she was in a wheelchair, you could tell from her posture that she danced. A ballet dancer holds themselves a certain way, and Marta projected that! I looked her up online and found several articles. In case you or your readers are interested, I found this one on Ballet Herald. It's very informative.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.balletherald.com/ballerina-with-alzheimers-marta-cinta/
Whenever I smell freshly cut grass, I am filled with wonderful childhood memories of summertime. Nutmeg and cinnamon bring back found memories of the holidays. You're right, both music and fragrance are powerful memories invokers!
As always, I enjoy reading your posts, Ron!
Clair, I can't thank you enough for sharing that article. It's WONDERFUL! I added the link to the bottom of this post in case anyone is interested in reading it as well. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
ReplyDelete" And I could tell she was a ballerina from the way she moved her hands. Also, even though she was in a wheelchair, you could tell from her posture that she danced. A ballet dancer holds themselves a certain way, and Marta projected that!"
You are so right about that. You could so clearly see that she was a ballerina from the way she held herself and that way she moved her hands. Even though I was in theater and performed onstage, I was never a ballet dancer. However, I have always admired their incredible talent and disciple. Ballet is a form of dance like no other. I could watch it for hours!
You two fragrance memories made me smile because they do the same for me. I remember the smell of our yard during the summer months, right after my father cut the grass. In fact, I used to wear a fragrance from The Gap that was called Grass. It was wonderful. I wish they still made it.
Thanks for your comment, my friend. And have a terrific rest of your week!
X
Ron, you are welcome! I'm happy to hear your enjoyed the article. Wasn't it wonderful?
ReplyDeleteAnd I am familiar with the Grass fragrance from The Gap!!! I was so disappointed when they discontinued it because it really smelled like freshly cut grass. They still sell fragrances, but not that one. I found it online, but I suspected it was a dup. :(
Yes, wonderful! And I enjoyed the longer video clip.
ReplyDeleteI was SO majorly bummed when they discontinued that fragrance. There used to be a Gap not far from my apartment that I used to occasionally stop in to see if they ever got it back in. But alas, they never did. I don't why they stopped making it either, because it was very popular!
Ron, I found myself re-watching the reel at least five times. And I'm sure I'll go back and watch it again. Wow, being a musician myself, I know how powerful music can be in making you feel all sorts of emotions. Yet, not until I watched how hearing the music again made her literally come alive, did I realize how on a completely different (and powerful) level it could; even for a moment, allow someone with Alzheimer's remember! All of her sense suddenly rebooted to what was. Amazing clip!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this incredibly beautiful and inspiring post, dude. As I've shared many times in my comments, I learn so much from you. And thanks for that!
And oh, yes, whenever I smell coffee brewing, buttered popcorn, and toasted marshmallows, I immediately have wonderful memories. You're right, fragrance is also very powerful. I was out shopping for a new fragrance last fall with my girlfriend. I was at the men's counter, she was at the women's. I finally decided on one that I liked, but as soon as my girlfriend smelled it she's like, "Oh, no way! My ex used to wear that and I don't want to be reminded of HIM when you wear it." LOL! So, she helped me pick out a different one that we both agreed on.
Hiya, Matt!
ReplyDelete"...not until I watched how hearing the music again made her literally come alive, did I realize how on a completely different (and powerful) level it could; even for a moment, allow someone with Alzheimer's remember! All of her sense suddenly rebooted to what was."
I know, wasn't that freaking amazing?!?!? Music is so powerful. And you don't realize just HOW powerful it is until you see something like this. I love how you used the word rebooted because that's exactly what it was! I read an article that included a mini documentary on Marta that one of my other readers saw and recommended. It was wonderful! I left the link at the bottom of this post in case you're interested. The article goes into more details about her life.
And OMG....I laughed my ass off at your story about picking out a new fragrance!!!! And it's so ironic you shared it because when I'm at work and helping a couple select a new fragrance, I have experienced the same thing you did, where the girl (or the guy) reacts that way because it reminds them of an ex!!! Which just goes to show you HOW powerful scent is!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing, Matt! LOVED your comment!
Have a fantastic rest of your week and weekend!
X
Wow, so very touching to see how she responded... at first confused, or a bit distraught even, but how he touched/kissed her hand to say, it's ok, and she just went into it. Tears!!
ReplyDeleteFragrance and music, you're absolutely right about how they evoke such powerful memories! Smelling the scent of lilac, my fav flower, takes me back to childhood and the beautiful giant bush we had in our yard.
A funny memory is when my girlfriend and I were in a department store and we had a mini perfume fight and I got sprayed with Island Gardenia. Love it! I don't have that, but another perfume with gardenia in it, and it's nice. Island Gardenia is made by Jovan. OH how I adored their MUSK! This past Christmas I was saying something to Ron about a body spray of theirs I liked but the drugstore didn't have it anymore. He ordered me a bottle of what he thought was it, but the perfume Musk for Women arrived instead. I think it might have been 'White Musk' body spray I had. Either way... the one he got just reminds me of high school because of course I had that too, and love, love the smell of it!
I could go on and on and on and on.... about music and memories!!! For a while now, I've had certain songs/albums that bring out so much emotion for me. Not necessarily all about specific memories... maybe it's just about my youth. Or sometimes a song will make me think of someone who has passed, or someone who is sick. I actually have had to turn off certain songs because I will literally start sobbing!! Of course, there are many other ones that make me feel inspired, or relaxed, or just give me energy.
Have a great week, my friend! xo
Oh Mary, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your comment! You TOTALLY get it!
ReplyDelete"Wow, so very touching to see how she responded... at first confused, or a bit distraught even, but how he touched/kissed her hand to say, it's ok, and she just went into it. Tears!!"
And OMG..........me too! There was something so subtle yet, so very strongly evident about the switch from going to confused to how she just went into it. Beautiful, isn't it?
" I got sprayed with Island Gardenia. Love it! I don't have that, but another perfume with gardenia in it, and it's nice. Island Gardenia is made by Jovan. OH how I adored their MUSK! "
LOVED your story!!!!! Yup, I clearly remember Island Gardenia! And it's so ironic that you mentioned Jovan because I wore Jovan Musk for Men all through my senior year high school and even after that. And what I loved about them is that they LASTED!
And yes!!!!! I also remember the White Musk they made. Jovan was actually a very good fragrance company. But I think people thought that because you could get it in a drug store, it wasn't quality. However, is was.
I'm the same with music. Some songs bring out so much emotion for me. Others, make me wanna get up and DANCE! LOL!
Happy Monday, dear friend! And thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your passion for fragrance and music!
X
Music and fragrance do have the power to evoke such memories as you said and showed in this post, Ron. And, the post you included was a strong testament to the power of music in Marta's career.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this very sweet clip.
Hello there, D!
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I saw this on my Instagram reel feed, I was so moved. And not only by Marta, but also being reminded once again how powerful (and healing) music can be!
Thanks so much for stopping by, D! Have a fabulous rest of your day and week!
X
Oh Ron, not only was this post beautiful. but it also hit home for me because my husbands mother had Alzheimer's. So sad to witness someone slowly lose their mind. The one positive thing was that she passed away young from something else, so she didn't linger for years with it. But it was heartbreaking all the same.
ReplyDeleteBoth myself and hubby cried watching the clip you shared. The way Marta's mind instantly became alert as soon as she heard the music was so touching. And when he touched and kissed her hand with such gentleness, it brought her back. What a sweet young man!
I agree. Along with music, fragrance is a very strong memory recaller! Anytime I smell Oscar de la Renta for women, I get a warm and wonderful feeling in my heart because it was the perfume I worn when I first met my husband. I wonder if they still make it? I should see if can find it online. Wonderful fragrance!
Lovely post, sir. You either make me laugh or make me think/feel with your words. Thank you! xo
Greetings, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your husbands mother. :( My mothers father also had Alzheimer's and it was heartbreaking to watch him slowly deteriorate. My mother was very close to her father, so it was extremely hard for her.
"The way Marta's mind instantly became alert as soon as she heard the music was so touching. And when he touched and kissed her hand with such gentleness, it brought her back. What a sweet young man!"
Wasn't that moment WONDERFUL? I cried when I saw it. And mind you, I cried all FIVE times when I watched it. Yes, such a sweet young man. You could tell how sensitive he was to Marta's needs.
"Anytime I smell Oscar de la Renta for women, I get a warm and wonderful feeling in my heart because it was the perfume I worn when I first met my husband. I wonder if they still make it? I should see if can find it online. Wonderful fragrance!"
OMG...I freaking LOVE Oscar for women! My mother used to wear that at one time. Such a glorious fragrance! In fact, I used to wear the men's version. You know, I'm not sure if they still make it. I haven't seen it in YEARS. They may still sell it on FragranceX.com. But I'm always leery of those sites because I don't think the fragrances are the originals.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and for you sweet, kind words. Hope you're enjoying a fantabulous week, my friend!
X