This study of 10 musicians found that when they listened to music they personally found "stirring," the midbrain, the ventral striatum and parts of the cortex were activated in a similar fashion that food and sex activate these brain regions. PET scanning was used to map the brain activity. The findings suggest a biological foundation for the comforting effects of music.

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/200...ic_brain_3.html

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: http://www.eurekalert.org