Basil sits with his eyes closed, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation with a bit of food and music on a cheap tape player. Cybil sticks her head in, nags him about some project, walks away and says, "And turn off that racket."
"Racket?" Basil repeats, straining for control. "That's Brahms," he says, "Brahm's Third Racket."
As Basil Fawlty, the protagonist of Fawlty Towers obviously knows, worthy music can lift our spirits and restore our souls, at least until the wife sticks her head in. So said Zarathushtra:
"Music softens sorrows, alleviates pain and allays grief. It calms the agitated and oppressed mind. The soothing strain of music gives relief to man pressed with anxiety. It is the healing balm to the bruised and broken heart. Music warms feelings. It swells the breast with gentle loving emotions. It lightens labour, restrains wrath, disarms evil passion. It pleases and thrills, it moves and inspires, it cheers, and charms, fascinates and enchants. Music lifts the mind and fastens it upon the divine in man. It wakes the slumbering soul to its destiny and lifts it heavenward on the wings of tender emotions."
Hey, that’s what Long Tall Sally does to me every time.
