…melodies, though they are material, are connected with the
spiritual, therefore, they produce a great effect. A certain kind of melody
makes the spirit happy, another kind makes it sad, and another excites it to
action. All these feelings can be caused by voice and music, for through the
nerves it moves and stirs the spirit. Even over animals, music has an effect.
For example: When they wish to take a camel over a desert road, they attach to
him some bells, or they play upon a flute, and this sound prevents him from
realizing the fatigue of the journey…
- 'Abdu'l-Bahá (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to
Mrs. Mary L. Lucas, as quoted in "A Brief Account of My Visit to
Acca" (Chicago: Bahá'í Publishing Society, 1905), pp. 11-14; The
Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Music)
