Talking Mozart

Re: “A Mozart Brainteaser” by Scott Timberg (June 29), I believe that language is hard-wired into the brain. Music is language. It has syntax, punctuation, content and emotion. It “speaks” in assertions, questions and conclusions, with turns of phrase that wrap themselves around meaning. Mozart’s music is a discourse in perfect syntax and grammar. It also has clarity, lightness and “happy endings.” Nothing is left up in the air. It is not endlessly repetitive (although repetitive enough to make sure you get it), is emotional without being neurotic or obsessive, is philosophical without being cryptic, and develops with enough logic to satisfy even youthful brains hungry for elucidation and a good wrap (or rap). I am not talking about his obvious themes and meanings as expressed through language in his operas, but the way his pure music seems to fit perfectly with our neurons, synapses and other brain structures.

Language is derived from natural forms, as demonstrated in the research of artist Gilah Hirsch. These simple shapes are hard-wired into the brain, making writing as easily learned as speech. Could it be the same with music? And, in particular, with Mozart’s music? Could that child genius have “tuned in” to the secret of nature’s musicality?

Rachel Rosenthal

Los Angeles