Musical Genius and Mental Illness - Exploring the Connection

Explore the intriguing connection between musical genius and mental illness in this 46-minute talk by Richard Kogan, a psychiatrist and concert pianist. Delve into research supporting the overrepresentation of creatives, particularly musicians, among those dealing with mood disorders and psychiatric challenges. Examine whether mental illness serves as a source of inspiration for creativity or if art becomes a healing outlet. Listen to captivating stories of renowned composers who embodied both genius and mental illness, accompanied by mesmerizing excerpts from their masterpieces performed by Kogan himself. Recorded during Aspen Ideas: Health in Aspen, Colorado, this thought-provoking discussion is part of the Aspen Ideas Festival, featuring over 200 speakers addressing urgent healthcare challenges and innovative advancements in medicine and science.

Musical Genius and Mental Illness: What’s the Link?