Mankind and Music

Why does music exist? What happens to us when we listen to or create music? In the series Mankind and Music we look for the answers together with musicians, listeners, and researchers. The five episodes focus on Western art music – classical music – with various thematic approaches. It’s not a chronological music history; rather we move between different themes and perspectives. We hear the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra in recordings made exclusively for this series. The series is aimed at students (gymnasium, municipal adult education, folk high school, college) and the interested public. Directed by David Tarrodi for Konserthuset Play.

Genre: Interviews and portraits

Mankind and Music, episode 1

“The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.” (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)

Genre: Interviews and portraits

Mankind and Music, episode 2

“My imagination can picture no fairer happiness than to continue living for art.” (Clara Schumann)

Genre: Interviews and portraits

Mankind and Music, episode 3

“A great work is made out of a combination of obedience and liberty.” (Nadia Boulanger)

Genre: Interviews and portraits

Mankind and Music, episode 4

“There is geometry in the humming of the strings. There is music in the spacing of the spheres.” (Pythagoras)

Genre: Interviews and portraits

Mankind and Music, episode 5

“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” (Gustav Mahler)


The Konserthuset Play app makes it easier to experience music on your phone or tablet – or on a big screen!

The video archive on Konserthuset Play contains a unique trove of music. On this page, we have gathered our tips for how to best take advantage of our selection.

When is the next livestream? Sign up to our newsletter for updates on upcoming concerts.