A British study has identified the specific classical pieces that have the most positive effect on the body and mind.

The advantageous effects of listening to classical music have been thoroughly explored through various scientific studies over the years. From conception to grave, the benefits of regularly listening to classical music has been proven at just about every developmental stage of life, but now new research has identified the specific works of the classical canon that have the most potently positive effect.

The new research, conducted by Professor Peter Sleight and his team at Oxford University has discovered that music featuring a repeated rhythm or refrain lasting 10 seconds has a uniquely calming effect as it matches the body’s naturally occurring cycles.

While monitoring the blood pressure and respiration rates of two separate groups – one made up of professional musicians and one made up of people with no significant musical training – Professor Sleight and his team played excerpts of various musical styles and monitored the results.

They found that music that used repetition in slower tempi had the most pronounced effect, both psychologically and physically, and it has been hypothesised by Sleight as being due to the synergy...