Symphonies for the Soul: Classical Music to Cure Any Ailment

by Oliver Condy

An A-Z of ailments - physical, mental and spiritual - and the classical music that will cure the body and soothe the soul

They say that music has charms to soothe a savage beast, but can it cure a broken heart?

Oliver Condy takes the role of musical diagnostician in Symphonies for the Soul, using his years of experience to prescribe classical music remedies for all manner of ailments. Whether you have been struck down with a case of the common cold, are suffering from burnout or reeling from a humiliation, there is a piece of classical music to restore you.

A beautifully-packaged gift book with more than 100 recommendations, as well as stories behind the pieces and composers selected.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Reference

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 4, 2021

Reviews

[meheadhurts · Rating 5 out of 5]

August Readathon 2025 Book Explorer #5 Mood Ring

I added this to my list of books for Readathon, thought it fit nicely with the mood ring challenge, as the entire book is an alphabetical list of emotions (or ailments, as the book description calls them), and a classical music selection to cure/complement the mood. I don't know a lot about classical music, so it has been fun to go thru and create a playlist of the selections. The author doesn't just give the name of the composition, but also conductor and musician name(s) as well, making it easier to find just the right selection.

I came across this in a display at the library, and enjoyed it so much I had my local bookshop order me a copy.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Starting Point For New Classical Music Ideas

I find the expertise of the author to pen the skills of our classical music teachers to have been one of my biggest takeaways. Likewise, the experience to link modern and historic rationale for composing to the alphabet was a great read. I’d of liked a link to the authors playlist on Spotify to make it a 5 star read.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Subtitle.. classical music to cure any ailment . Gives a classical piece or pieces to play for almost every emotion known to mankind.
Simply wonderful book for music lovers. I adored it and was introduced to many pieces of music I’d never heard before.
Bought copies to share with friends!!

[A Hellyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently on page 41. There have already been 13 hours and 38 minutes of eclecticly selected music. A great introduction to many works I'd never before encountered, and others I enjoyed, but knew nothing about. A really fun introduction to classical music.