FRISSON

                                                                      by Mike Podsedly

I have seen both film versions of Wicked. I attended a performance of this musical at the Fox Theater in Atlanta several years earlier and was eager to compare the two.  Of course the movie version does not have the set limitations of live stages and this movie is both colorful and elaborate. But the main thread for me are the songs.  I experienced the same emotional response to certain of the songs in both venues.  I learned that there is a term for this response, Frisson.
Frisson in music is an intense, often pleasurable sensation that listeners feel, often described as a "chill" or "shiver down the spine." It can be triggered by specific moments in a piece of music that evoke a sudden emotional or physical reaction. The sensation typically manifests as goosebumps, a racing heartbeat, or a tingling feeling, especially when something in the music surprises, excites, or deeply moves the listener.
Frisson is a deeply personal and often fleeting experience that arises from a combination of musical elements and emotional responses. It’s one of the reasons music can have such a profound effect on us, offering moments of catharsis, surprise, and joy. Whether it’s the shift in harmony, a powerful crescendo, or a particularly moving passage, the ability of music to create frisson is one of its most compelling qualities.
Frisson in modern music, including in film, musicals, and rock, still relies on the same emotional triggers—sudden dynamic shifts, harmonic surprises, and powerful emotional content—but these genres use more contemporary techniques to elicit that spine-tingling reaction. Below are some notable examples of frisson in modern music.
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Film Music
John Williams – Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (Opening Theme)

• The iconic opening fanfare of Star Wars, with its triumphant brass section and rousing melody, can induce frisson. This is especially true when it builds up to the full orchestral climax, evoking both nostalgia and exhilaration.

Musicals

1. Andrew Lloyd Webber – The Phantom of the Opera (Title Song)
   • The Phantom of the Opera theme itself has become a classic example of musical frisson. The soaring vocals, dramatic orchestration, and the moment when the Phantom's dramatic entrance leads to the swelling of the music can create a sense of awe and tension that leads to frisson.
2. Stephen Schwartz – Wicked (Defying Gravity)
   • One of the most frisson-inducing moments in Wicked comes when Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) sings "Defying Gravity." The song builds in power, culminating in a soaring high note as she decides to go against the grain and break free from societal constraints. The combination of the emotional delivery, the shift in harmony, and the key change at the climax causes listeners to experience frisson.

Rock Music
In classic rock, frisson is often created through powerful guitar solos, unexpected shifts in musical dynamics, and emotional vocal performances. These moments of intensity, whether through soaring instruments, unexpected musical turns, or raw emotion, continue to resonate with listeners, creating unforgettable musical experiences.
 
Here are some examples where classic rock songs create that spine-tingling effect:
     1. Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”

• Frisson Moment: The buildup to the guitar solo.
• Why: The gradual increase in intensity throughout the song leads to an explosive, emotionally charged guitar solo by Jimmy Page. The contrast between the folk-like opening and the powerful climax creates a sense of awe, especially when the music reaches its peak right before the solo. The emotional weight and technical brilliance of the solo elicit frisson for many listeners.

     2. Pink Floyd – “Comfortably Numb”

• Frisson Moment: The guitar solo in the second half of the song.
• Why: David Gilmour's emotionally evocative guitar solos are legendary, and in Comfortably Numb, the second solo in particular is known for its ability to induce frisson. The combination of Gilmour’s expressive playing, the emotional atmosphere of the song, and the gradual build-up of tension creates a deeply stirring and cathartic moment.

   3. Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”

• Frisson Moment: The operatic section leading into the hard rock section.
• Why: The sudden shift from the soft, balladic part of the song to the operatic section, followed by the intense guitar-driven rock climax, is one of the most iconic moments in rock history. The unexpected transitions, combined with Freddie Mercury’s powerful vocals, the harmony, and the musical complexity, create a striking emotional impact that can give listeners chills.

   4. The Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter”

• Frisson Moment: The powerful backing vocals in the chorus, especially when Merry Clayton’s voice kicks in.
• Why: The intensity of the song builds as Merry Clayton’s raw, passionate backup vocals soar into the chorus, bringing an emotional charge to the track. Her vocal performance is an explosive contrast to Mick Jagger’s more subdued lead vocals, and this powerful moment gives many listeners a feeling of frisson.

   5. The Doors – “Riders on the Storm”

• Frisson Moment: The haunting, atmospheric intro and Jim Morrison’s intense vocal delivery.
• Why: The song opens with a mysterious, almost eerie soundscape, accompanied by Morrison’s deep, haunting voice. When the full instrumentation comes in, the sudden shift adds an element of surprise, and the emotional weight of Morrison’s delivery can evoke frisson, especially in the quieter, more reflective moments of the song.

   6. Jimi Hendrix – “All Along the Watchtower”

• Frisson Moment: The intense guitar solo.
• Why: Hendrix’s expressive, fluid guitar playing is often cited as one of the most emotionally powerful moments in rock music. In this cover of Bob Dylan’s song, his guitar solos bring an added emotional layer to the track. The solo’s sharp bends and dynamic shifts can trigger frisson, especially when it builds to a peak before tapering off.

 
Interestingly, not everyone experiences frisson - research suggests between 55-86% of people are susceptible to this response. Those who do experience it often find it occurs most intensely during their first few listens to a piece, though familiar music can still trigger the response when attention is focused on the experience.
Broadway musicals excel at creating frisson through the combination of narrative context, lyrics, and musical climax. "Defying Gravity" from Wicked builds to its key change as the character embraces her power, while "One Day More" from Les Misérables layers multiple character themes into a goosebump-inducing finale.
The amazing aspect of frisson is how it transcends genre boundaries - it's not the style of music that matters as much as how the music manipulates tension and release, expectation and surprise. Whether it's a classical symphony, a rock guitar solo, or an electronic beat drop, the fundamental mechanics of creating anticipation and delivering emotional release remain consistent across all forms of music.
Do you have a song that creates a frisson moment when you listen? Please share with us the name in the comment section below.