Classical Music at New York’s Penn Station a Subliminal Distraction

Each day, hundreds of thousands of travelers bustle through New York City's main railway junction, Pennsylvania Station. Many may not notice the persistent sound of classical music above the din of constant commuters. The station's soothing soundtrack is meant as an appeasing accoutrement to the daily rigors of intercity travel.

The New York Times revealed yesterday the previously faceless music programmers charged with designing the busy station's audible playlist. Situated in an Austin, Texas office space, the publication describes the three female music designers as attempting to "channel their inner commuter."

One of the programmers, Amy Frishkey, describes her duty of drafting the musical accompaniment as an attempt to assuage the cheerless environment with a bit of bliss:

"The music functions to create spaciousness, light, not feeling like you're in a cattle call," Ms. Frishkey said. "It speaks to the power of overhead music to work within a space, working as a corrective to this basement feeling."

However, as many astute commuters have surmised -- and on which we have previously reported at our sister site Classicalite -- the choice to play classical music in such engrossed public spaces is often an attempt to prevent crime or loitering in the chosen area.

An article from public radio station WNYC points out that the decision to play classical music is meant to relax travelers but also to preempt any delinquency or dawdling:

"'It's been used as part of a larger strategy of crime prevention through environmental design,' said Jacqueline Helfgott, chair of the criminal-justice department at Seattle University. She noted that classical music is often accompanied by upgrades like better lighting, improved traffic flow or trimmed shrubbery in public areas."

To wit, the audible atmosphere can often serve a two-fold purpose of general placation and crime prevention. This idea is being used in public spaces across the country, as mentioned above. However, though the road to public appeasement may often be paved with good intentions, not every traveler or anonymous public-space-dweller will appreciate or enjoy the chosen playlist.

We want to hear from you. Let us know what you think of Penn Station's musical selection in the comments section below.

TagsClassical Music, New York City, Penn Station