This article titled, "And the Band Played Badly" appeared in the _New York Times_ on March 9, 2008, written by op-ed contributor Alexander McCall Smith.
Public Broadcasting Service aired a fascinating 2-hour special last Wednesday. If you missed it, then check out the below link:
The Music Instinct: Science and Song provides a ground-breaking exploration into how and why the human organism--and the whole ebb and flow of the cosmos--is moved by the undeniable effect of music. This follows visionary researchers and accomplished musicians to the crossroads of science and culture in search of answers to music's deep mysteries.
I have the good fortune to play principal cello with the Des Moines Metro Opera. The performances include Puccuni's Tosca, Weber's Der Freischutz and Rossini's Barber of Seville. Come and visit me in Indianola, Iowa!