Classical Music & the Enneagram

“Do I contradict myself? Very well then, I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes.”

Walt Whitman

What happens when classical music, personality, and artistic expression intersect? Rather than simply matching composers to personality types, we're exploring the primal drives that fuel artistic passion. Let's start with understanding ourselves.

First, take the RHETI enneagram test on The Enneagram Institute’s website.

It’s $20 and worth the investment. The Enneagram isn't about learning your "type,” it's about understanding the 9 different ways our minds engage the world. This isn't sanitized self-help; it's a map of our inner creative patterns, deep entanglements, and growth paths.

Second, watch Richard Rohr offer one of the best breakdowns of the Enneagram system.

This Franciscan priest from the Center of Action and Contemplation provides deep insight into each type.

Third, read this Psyche article to challenge your assumptions on classical music.

We want to engage as intimate listeners, not passive spectators.

Fourth, watch these YouTube videos.

One on the sensuality of sound, how to listen for emotion and expression within classical compositions; and one on The Bach Effect through modern music:


Fifth, explore our list of 9 composers aligned with the archetypal energy of the 9 Enneagram types.

We’ve selected one well-known classical composer for each type, including their 5 most famous works and the psychological patterns that shaped their musical storytelling.

When listening, notice how each composer's unique inner world translates into sound. Let this music feel raw, beautiful, and electric. Observe how consciousness expresses itself through art, and become curious about your creative longings.

Sixth, watch these 2 films.

They showcase different personality types channeled through musical genius, tortured envy, emotional depths, and individualistic expression:

Seventh, explore Sleeping at Last’s Enneagram song series.

Singer-songwriter Ryan O'Neal created a song for each personality type. Find yours and listen.

Welcome to our dive into Musical Ecstasy

The Enneagram of Composition

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  • Mathematical precision: Wrote "The Art of Fugue" exploring every possible contrapuntal combination systematically 

    Perfect structural balance: The Well-Tempered Clavier methodically covers all 24 major and minor keys 

    Moral purpose: Signed many works "S.D.G." (Soli Deo Gloria - "To God Alone the Glory") 

    Systematic approach: Organized his cantatas according to the church calendar with methodical precision 

    Perfectionist standards: Spent his career refining and perfecting established baroque forms rather than breaking them 

    Most Popular Works: 

    1) Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 

    2) Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, 1st movement 

    3) Prelude in C major (from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1) 

    4) "Air on the G String" (from Orchestral Suite No. 3) 

    5) "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (from Cantata BWV 147) 

  • Mentored American composers: Actively encouraged them to use African American spirituals and folk music in their compositions 

    Built musical institutions: Helped establish the National Conservatory of Music in New York 

    Generous personality: Known for his humble, warm nature and genuine interest in helping others succeed 

    Promoted his homeland: Used his international fame to bring attention to Czech music and culture 

    Accessible music: Composed works that were deliberately designed to be enjoyed by ordinary people, not just elites 

    Most Popular Works: 

    1) Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" - 2nd movement (Largo) 

    2) Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" - 4th movement 

    3) Slavonic Dance No. 2 in E minor, Op. 46 

    4) "Humoresque" No. 7 in G-flat major, Op. 101 

    5) Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104, B. 191, I. Allegro 

  • Strategic career moves: Moved from Germany to Italy to England, adapting his style to succeed in each market 

    Commercial savvy: When Italian opera became unpopular, he immediately switched to English oratorios 

    Brand building: Created a successful public image as the leading composer of English music 

    Audience focus: Composed "Messiah" specifically for charity performances, knowing it would enhance his reputation 

    Entrepreneurial spirit: Ran his own opera company and constantly promoted his works through public concerts 

    Most Popular Works: 

    1) "Hallelujah Chorus" from Messiah 

    2) Water Music Suite - "Hornpipe" 

    3) "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" from Solomon 

    4) "Zadok the Priest" (coronation anthem) 

    5) Music for the Royal Fireworks - "La Réjouissance" 

  • Revolutionary artistic vision: Completely transformed classical forms to express his personal emotions and ideals 

    Tortured artist persona: His deafness became central to his identity as a suffering artist creating despite adversity 

    Authentic self-expression: Refused to write "pretty" music for patrons, insisting on expressing his true feelings 

    Outsider identity: Felt alienated from society and channeled this into deeply personal musical statements 

    Dramatic emotional intensity: His music explores extreme emotional states from despair to triumph 

    Most Popular Works: 

    1) "Ode to Joy" (Symphony No. 9, 4th movement) 

    2) Symphony No. 5 in C minor - 1st movement 

    3) Moonlight Sonata (Piano Sonata No. 14) - 1st movement 

    4) Für Elise 

    5) Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral" - 1st movement 

  • Systematic folk music study: Methodically analyzed Norwegian folk melodies and harmonies to create his unique style 

    Withdrawal to investigate: Spent years in rural isolation at "Troldhaugen" studying and composing 

    Intellectual approach to nationalism: His use of Norwegian elements was scholarly and methodical, not superficial 

    Minimalist lifestyle: Lived simply and quietly, focusing intensely on his compositional research 

    Small-scale perfection: Preferred intimate forms like lyric pieces where he could control every detail 

    Most Popular Works: 

    1) "In the Hall of the Mountain King" (from Peer Gynt Suite) 

    2) Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 

    3) "Morning Mood" (from Peer Gynt Suite) 

    4) "Solveig's Song" (from Peer Gynt) 

    5) "Wedding Day at Troldhaugen" (from Lyric Pieces) 

  • Destroyed early works: Burned many compositions due to self-doubt and fear they weren't good enough 

    Loyalty to tradition: Spent 21 years writing his First Symphony because he felt intimidated by Beethoven's legacy 

    Sought mentorship: Remained devoted to the Schumann family throughout his life for guidance and security 

    Conservative musical approach: Always worked within established forms rather than revolutionary innovation 

    Anxious perfectionism: Constantly revised works and sought approval from trusted authorities before publishing 

    Most Popular Works: 

    1) Hungarian Dance No. 5 in G minor 

    2) Symphony No. 1 in C minor - 4th movement 

    3) Lullaby (Wiegenlied), Op. 49 No. 4 

    4) Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major 

    5) Intermezzo in A major, Op. 118 No. 2 

  • Prolific variety: Composed over 600 works across every possible genre - opera, symphony, chamber music, sacred music 

    Playful personality: Contemporary accounts describe him as childlike, giggling, and constantly seeking fun 

    Rapid composition: Could write complete works in his head and then write them down without revisions 

    Constant stimulation: Toured extensively, loved parties, games, and was always seeking new experiences 

    Optimistic music: Even his minor-key works maintain an underlying sense of joy and forward momentum 

    Most Popular Works: 

    1) Eine kleine Nachtmusik - 1st movement 

    2) Symphony No. 40 in G minor - 1st movement 

    3) "Queen of the Night" aria from The Magic Flute 

    4) Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major - 3rd 

  • Total artistic control: Built the Bayreuth Festival Theatre specifically to control every aspect of his operas' presentation 

    Revolutionary vision: Completely transformed opera with his "total work of art" concept, rejecting all traditions 

    Dominating personality: Demanded complete loyalty from followers and brooked no criticism of his artistic vision 

    Confrontational nature: Engaged in bitter public feuds with critics and rival composers 

    Massive scope: Created the 15-hour Ring Cycle - the most ambitious musical project ever undertaken 

    Most Popular Works: 

    1) "Ride of the Valkyries" (from Die Walküre) 

    2) Prelude to Tristan und Isolde 

    3) "Here Comes the Bride" / "Bridal Chorus" (from Lohengrin) 

    4) "Pilgrims' Chorus" (from Tannhäuser) 

    5) Overture to The Flying Dutchman 

  • Harmonious court service: Worked for the Esterházy family for 30 years without major conflicts 

    Gentle humor: His "Surprise" Symphony and other works show playful wit rather than confrontational drama 

    Avoided conflict: Even when he disagreed with his employers, he handled disputes diplomatically 

    Brought people together: His London Symphonies were designed to unite audiences in shared enjoyment 

    Balanced personality: Contemporary accounts describe him as easygoing, reliable, and well-liked by everyone 

    Most Popular Works: 

    1) Symphony No. 94 "Surprise" - 2nd movement 

    2) "Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser" (from Emperor Quartet) 

    3) Symphony No. 104 "London" - 1st movement 

    4) Trumpet Concerto in E-flat major 

    5) Symphony No. 101 "Clock" - 2nd movement