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Le pansement Schubert
"10 minutes de Schubert = 5 mg d'Oxynorm. Mme Kessler est assise dans son fauteuil toute droite, avec son bras offert aux soins et, tandis que je joue pour elle en boucle le thème de l'andante du Trio op. 100 de Schubert, la lumière sur son visage est si intense qu'elle irradie en un flot étincelant toute la pièce, les infirmières et moi-même. Dehors, le chêne aux larges branches en reçoit lui aussi abondamment." Lorsqu'elle n'est pas en concert à travers le monde, ou auprès de ses élèves, Claire Oppert joue pour les personnes en fin de vie, les malades douloureux, les autistes ou ceux que l'on nomme les déments. La plume délicate et poétique, la musicienne raconte autant de rencontres uniques. Des hommes et des femmes que le chant du violoncelle apaise, stimule ou réconforte. Le moment musical au chevet des patients est un port abrité dans l'épreuve, temps suspendu propice à l'émergence des souvenirs. Il relie les êtres et témoigne de cette part vivante et intacte en chacun de nous.
208 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 14, 2025
Claire Oppert’s The Schubert Treatment is an evocative exploration of music’s transformative power, particularly in the realms of end-of-life care, dementia, and autism. Drawing from her years as a professional cellist working with vulnerable patients, Oppert shares intimate, poetic anecdotes about how music has acted as a bridge to connection and emotion. While the book succeeds in showcasing the humanizing force of art, it stumbles in its portrayal of autism, presenting a perspective that is at times inspiring but often reductive and problematic.
Oppert’s prose is undoubtedly moving. Her descriptions of playing music for patients with autism are filled with striking imagery, such as the stillness that descends upon Paul, a non-verbal autistic boy, as she begins to play Bach:
“From the first notes of Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1, Paul stopped rocking and looked at me, as though the music had finally reached him.”
These moments capture the profound impact music can have, but they are often framed as breakthroughs that "unlock" autistic individuals. This framing, while dramatic and emotionally appealing, risks oversimplifying autism as a condition that can be "penetrated" or "solved" through the intervention of an external force like music.
Autism is a spectrum, encompassing a vast diversity of experiences, strengths, and challenges. Oppert’s focus on exceptional cases, like Paul or David, who are seemingly transformed by music, perpetuates the stereotype of autistic people as "trapped" in their own world until someone reaches in to rescue them. This narrative can be harmful, as it fails to acknowledge the agency and individuality of autistic people who may not respond to music or who communicate and connect in different ways.
The Problem of Stereotypes
Throughout the book, Oppert frequently describes autistic individuals as disconnected or isolated, reinforcing a one-dimensional view of autism. For example, David, a non-verbal patient, is introduced as completely withdrawn:
“He sat hunched in a corner, his fingers pressed deep into his ears, entirely shut off from the world.”
While David’s eventual engagement with music, including his improvisations on the piano, is presented as a triumph, it reinforces the idea that autism is inherently a state of absence or deficiency that must be corrected. This perspective disregards the fact that many autistic people already live rich, fulfilling lives on their own terms, without needing to conform to neurotypical norms or expectations of connection.
One of the book’s most glaring weaknesses is its reliance on anecdotal evidence without accompanying scientific rigor. Oppert openly admits to avoiding research on autism at the insistence of her mentor, Howard Buten:
“He forbade me from reading anything about autism. ‘What you’re doing is already good enough,’ he said.”
While this intuitive approach may resonate with readers who appreciate the emotive and personal nature of her stories, it undermines the credibility of her claims. For instance, the oft-repeated assertion that: “Ten minutes of Schubert is equivalent to five milligrams of oxy,” is evocative but unsubstantiated, leaving readers to wonder how much of the book’s impact is rooted in artistic license rather than measurable therapeutic outcomes.
A stronger integration of research on autism and music therapy would have elevated the book, offering a more balanced and evidence-based perspective. Without this, Oppert risks presenting music as a magical cure-all, rather than a nuanced therapeutic tool that may benefit some individuals but not all.
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of The Schubert Treatment is its reliance on a "healing narrative," where music is portrayed as a force that brings autistic individuals closer to a state of "normalcy." This perspective is problematic in light of the neurodiversity movement, which emphasizes that autism is not a condition to be fixed but a natural variation in human experience.
By focusing on breakthroughs where patients become more "reachable" or "expressive" through music, the book implicitly suggests that these changes are necessary for their humanity to be fully recognized. This framing risks diminishing the value of autistic people as they are, reinforcing the idea that their worth lies in how well they conform to neurotypical standards.
Despite these criticisms, The Schubert Treatment is undeniably a heartfelt and beautifully written book. Oppert’s passion for her work shines through, and her dedication to her patients is deeply moving. However, the book is most effective when viewed as a personal memoir rather than a definitive statement on autism or music therapy.
Readers should approach the book with an awareness of its limitations. While it offers inspiring stories about the potential of music to foster connection, it fails to grapple with the complexities of autism as a spectrum condition. The absence of scientific grounding and the reliance on reductive narratives ultimately weaken its impact, particularly for readers seeking a nuanced or comprehensive understanding of autism.
The Schubert Treatment is a poetic and inspiring exploration of music’s power, but it falls short in its portrayal of autism. By leaning on stereotypes and prioritizing emotional resonance over nuanced representation, the book risks reinforcing outdated and narrow views of autistic individuals.
While it is worth reading for its evocative storytelling and insights into music therapy, it should be approached critically. For those interested in autism, it is best paired with works that center autistic voices and provide a more diverse and informed perspective.
Oppert’s prose is undoubtedly moving. Her descriptions of playing music for patients with autism are filled with striking imagery, such as the stillness that descends upon Paul, a non-verbal autistic boy, as she begins to play Bach:
“From the first notes of Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1, Paul stopped rocking and looked at me, as though the music had finally reached him.”
These moments capture the profound impact music can have, but they are often framed as breakthroughs that "unlock" autistic individuals. This framing, while dramatic and emotionally appealing, risks oversimplifying autism as a condition that can be "penetrated" or "solved" through the intervention of an external force like music.
Autism is a spectrum, encompassing a vast diversity of experiences, strengths, and challenges. Oppert’s focus on exceptional cases, like Paul or David, who are seemingly transformed by music, perpetuates the stereotype of autistic people as "trapped" in their own world until someone reaches in to rescue them. This narrative can be harmful, as it fails to acknowledge the agency and individuality of autistic people who may not respond to music or who communicate and connect in different ways.
The Problem of Stereotypes
Throughout the book, Oppert frequently describes autistic individuals as disconnected or isolated, reinforcing a one-dimensional view of autism. For example, David, a non-verbal patient, is introduced as completely withdrawn:
“He sat hunched in a corner, his fingers pressed deep into his ears, entirely shut off from the world.”
While David’s eventual engagement with music, including his improvisations on the piano, is presented as a triumph, it reinforces the idea that autism is inherently a state of absence or deficiency that must be corrected. This perspective disregards the fact that many autistic people already live rich, fulfilling lives on their own terms, without needing to conform to neurotypical norms or expectations of connection.
One of the book’s most glaring weaknesses is its reliance on anecdotal evidence without accompanying scientific rigor. Oppert openly admits to avoiding research on autism at the insistence of her mentor, Howard Buten:
“He forbade me from reading anything about autism. ‘What you’re doing is already good enough,’ he said.”
While this intuitive approach may resonate with readers who appreciate the emotive and personal nature of her stories, it undermines the credibility of her claims. For instance, the oft-repeated assertion that: “Ten minutes of Schubert is equivalent to five milligrams of oxy,” is evocative but unsubstantiated, leaving readers to wonder how much of the book’s impact is rooted in artistic license rather than measurable therapeutic outcomes.
A stronger integration of research on autism and music therapy would have elevated the book, offering a more balanced and evidence-based perspective. Without this, Oppert risks presenting music as a magical cure-all, rather than a nuanced therapeutic tool that may benefit some individuals but not all.
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of The Schubert Treatment is its reliance on a "healing narrative," where music is portrayed as a force that brings autistic individuals closer to a state of "normalcy." This perspective is problematic in light of the neurodiversity movement, which emphasizes that autism is not a condition to be fixed but a natural variation in human experience.
By focusing on breakthroughs where patients become more "reachable" or "expressive" through music, the book implicitly suggests that these changes are necessary for their humanity to be fully recognized. This framing risks diminishing the value of autistic people as they are, reinforcing the idea that their worth lies in how well they conform to neurotypical standards.
Despite these criticisms, The Schubert Treatment is undeniably a heartfelt and beautifully written book. Oppert’s passion for her work shines through, and her dedication to her patients is deeply moving. However, the book is most effective when viewed as a personal memoir rather than a definitive statement on autism or music therapy.
Readers should approach the book with an awareness of its limitations. While it offers inspiring stories about the potential of music to foster connection, it fails to grapple with the complexities of autism as a spectrum condition. The absence of scientific grounding and the reliance on reductive narratives ultimately weaken its impact, particularly for readers seeking a nuanced or comprehensive understanding of autism.
The Schubert Treatment is a poetic and inspiring exploration of music’s power, but it falls short in its portrayal of autism. By leaning on stereotypes and prioritizing emotional resonance over nuanced representation, the book risks reinforcing outdated and narrow views of autistic individuals.
While it is worth reading for its evocative storytelling and insights into music therapy, it should be approached critically. For those interested in autism, it is best paired with works that center autistic voices and provide a more diverse and informed perspective.
December 15, 2021
J'ai adoré le fait qu'il y ait des pièces citées en début de presque chaque chapitre, ça m'a chaque fois mise dans un état d'esprit particulier. Ce livre m'a beaucoup touchée et impactée, même si certains passages m'ont un peu dérangée et que je n'ai pas toujours été emportée par le style.
C'était vraiment impactant, ça donne envie de partager (dans plein de sens héhé)
C'était vraiment impactant, ça donne envie de partager (dans plein de sens héhé)
March 18, 2025
It was a beautiful and moving book. However, I found it sometimes more like a loose collection and missed some structure or a golden thread. Also, as I have a scientific background in the area of music and clinical psychology, the “intuitive”, artistic and sometimes even science-critical tone was sometimes difficult for me (although it got better in the end).
Want to Read
April 21, 2021Music therapy through the works of Bach (Bach's suites) https://es.aleteia.org/2021/04/21/toc...
Read
September 30, 2026William Congreve mentioned in a play from the late 1600’s, “Music has charms to soothe the savage breast.” There is little doubt that music has medicinal qualities. Just hearing certain songs has the ability to calm us, even lowering blood pressure and slowing down heart rates.
In this most enlightening book THE SCHUBERT TREATMENT—A STORY OF MUSIC AND HEALING, Claire Oppert delves deeply into music. He has been an art therapist for almost a quarter-century, working with children who have autism and adults with neurodegenerative diseases and others in palliative care. Claire Oppert talks most passionately about her experiences playing music for those with autism, dementia, and other serious medical issues. There is something most rousing about the strains of many classical tunes, that have the ability to evoke responses from many who showed very little, in terms of responding to any stimulus.
Chapter after chapter, he cites examples of the many people he has worked with. It is not always simply putting on a certain song. He has had to fit the song often, with the person to get the most powerful response, as it evokes something from deep inside the person, uplifting their spirits and perhaps helping with the healing process. Oppert is a classical cellist, finding that often the cello offers some very moving responses from those listening to its sounds.
Responses have varied, but there were many occasions when people who suffered from chronic pain, were calmer and often found relief from what was causing such turbulence inside their bodies. The chapters are short, each one unique in telling responses, and the type of music that inspired such responses. Anyone who has suffered from various forms of pain, might find the book of value and most informational and inspirational, creating possibilities for alleviating aspects of their maladies.
In this most enlightening book THE SCHUBERT TREATMENT—A STORY OF MUSIC AND HEALING, Claire Oppert delves deeply into music. He has been an art therapist for almost a quarter-century, working with children who have autism and adults with neurodegenerative diseases and others in palliative care. Claire Oppert talks most passionately about her experiences playing music for those with autism, dementia, and other serious medical issues. There is something most rousing about the strains of many classical tunes, that have the ability to evoke responses from many who showed very little, in terms of responding to any stimulus.
Chapter after chapter, he cites examples of the many people he has worked with. It is not always simply putting on a certain song. He has had to fit the song often, with the person to get the most powerful response, as it evokes something from deep inside the person, uplifting their spirits and perhaps helping with the healing process. Oppert is a classical cellist, finding that often the cello offers some very moving responses from those listening to its sounds.
Responses have varied, but there were many occasions when people who suffered from chronic pain, were calmer and often found relief from what was causing such turbulence inside their bodies. The chapters are short, each one unique in telling responses, and the type of music that inspired such responses. Anyone who has suffered from various forms of pain, might find the book of value and most informational and inspirational, creating possibilities for alleviating aspects of their maladies.
April 11, 2025
This book is *SO* *FRENCH.* Its approach to such concerns as genre, academic scholarship, pacing...all of it is subservient to a sense of style, of the author's sense of beauty, a beauty that is, for her, truth. It is the sort of book where there are two or three episodes of a few pages that one could read repeatedly and quote for their aptness, but if you do so you may forget the many dozens of other pages that were not so apt or worthy of rereading. (I think this is how we all got stuck with Michel Foucault.)
I am not sure the approaches described meet clinical standards in the care of neurodivergent youth, but the author clearly cares deeply about ameliorating lives through the practice of music in therapeutic settings. This book may be inspiring to those who have a relative in a palliative care situation, or may help musicians to better value their worth to those around them. It does not change the fact that it is, from an Anglophone perspective, a very odd book.
I am not sure the approaches described meet clinical standards in the care of neurodivergent youth, but the author clearly cares deeply about ameliorating lives through the practice of music in therapeutic settings. This book may be inspiring to those who have a relative in a palliative care situation, or may help musicians to better value their worth to those around them. It does not change the fact that it is, from an Anglophone perspective, a very odd book.
January 8, 2025
The Schubert Treatment is a short but powerful memoir that highlights the unlikely meeting between medicine and live music. Oppert's writing is emotional and detailed, bringing individuals to life in only a few pages, and the inclusion of specific pieces of music at the beginning of each vignette provides a soundtrack to further connect with her work. This memoir is a heartwarming show of the unique power of music to connect and heal people at all levels of health.
-Jordan Lynch
Read the full review at: https://www.bookbrowse.com/mag/review...
-Jordan Lynch
Read the full review at: https://www.bookbrowse.com/mag/review...
February 16, 2026
I was a little disinterested at the beginning. She related some stories of autism behavior that wasn’t representative and I was worried it was going to be a reinforcement of stereotypes. She also describes a brutal musical education in Moscow. It is a bit later in the book when the focus on how her patients respond to her music that I became deeply invested in her story. I especially loved the diversity of responses, from fully uplifted to those who declined music. It feels like she covered a wide range of experiences and reflected upon those experiences in her short poems between essays.
November 15, 2024
Fascinating, if more anecdotal and impressionistic than I might have wanted.
March 14, 2025
An absolutely wonderful book! Loved it!
April 14, 2025
p-n, s-n, v-s
February 1, 2026
Amazing book that shows the power of music. I cried many times. It touched me deeply. What incredible experiences for her and those she helped!
April 26, 2026
This reads like poetry, which I don't love. Written differently, I would really have enjoyed this.
July 17, 2026
Lovely.
“A glimpse of an infinite grace, stronger than anger”
“A glimpse of an infinite grace, stronger than anger”
September 11, 2024
I thought the first part was quite interesting although definitely this is a book that cannot be considered an essay or even an experiment with a scientific basis. The second part, on the other hand, was just filler, probably to get to the number of pages required by the publisher.
La prima parte mi é sembrata piuttosto interessante anche se decisamente questo é un libro che non puó essere considerato un saggio né tanto meno un esperimento con basi scientifiche. La seconda parte invece, era proprio un riempitivo, probabilmente per arrivare al numero di pagine richieste dall'editore.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
La prima parte mi é sembrata piuttosto interessante anche se decisamente questo é un libro che non puó essere considerato un saggio né tanto meno un esperimento con basi scientifiche. La seconda parte invece, era proprio un riempitivo, probabilmente per arrivare al numero di pagine richieste dall'editore.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
December 17, 2024
Premiere lecture en fin de challenge, après un long voyage... Je n’ai pas trop su quoi penser de ma lecture. Un peu comme si j’étais passée à côté. Alors que j’en attendais beaucoup au niveau émotionnel. Il a tout pour me parler. Il m’a été offert par ma tante à un moment de sa vie douloureux, traite du pouvoir de la musique lors des soins difficiles (ce que j’applique auprès de mes propres patients), est autour du violoncelle (instrument coup de cœur depuis toujours et que j’apprend depuis bientôt 3 ans)...
Je l’ai "relu" aujourd'hui grâce à Audible. En version audio. Parce que j'avais ce sentiment de déception. Et j'ai tellement bien fais.
Déjà merci Audible car certains passages sont lus par l’autrice. Beaucoup de morceaux évoqués sont ensuite passés et c’est tellement beau d’entendre cette musique juste après avoir entendu ses effets.
J'ai eu le cœur serré, apaisé, émerveillé. Plusieurs moments m’ont pris aux tripes.
Je suis retournée à la rencontre de ce livre et il m’attendait sagement. C’est un coup de cœur. Je le relirais encore et encore. Et peut être qu’un jour, moi aussi, je pourrais jouer directement devant mes patients ? ✨️
Je l’ai "relu" aujourd'hui grâce à Audible. En version audio. Parce que j'avais ce sentiment de déception. Et j'ai tellement bien fais.
Déjà merci Audible car certains passages sont lus par l’autrice. Beaucoup de morceaux évoqués sont ensuite passés et c’est tellement beau d’entendre cette musique juste après avoir entendu ses effets.
J'ai eu le cœur serré, apaisé, émerveillé. Plusieurs moments m’ont pris aux tripes.
Je suis retournée à la rencontre de ce livre et il m’attendait sagement. C’est un coup de cœur. Je le relirais encore et encore. Et peut être qu’un jour, moi aussi, je pourrais jouer directement devant mes patients ? ✨️
August 9, 2022
Incredible experience.
January 17, 2025
Interesting book about how music communicates to others when nothing else does.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews