Music and Grief: Norway After 22 July, 2011

Abstract

In 2011, a terror attack by one of its own citizens shocked Norway and led to deep mourning in the population. Music played a vital part in the way people processed this national tragedy. By looking at the collective and individual musicking that took place in response to the terror attack, this article explores the role and importance of music in this particular context,particularly with regard to its abilities to contain, give resonance to, and express difficult emotions; create feelings of community; and contribute to the individual’s self-care and work toward recovery and the achievement of well-being.