Happens all the time. Some music is just emotional to me and can bring either joy or sadness.
Along the lines of what Viridian, Mr. T, and others have said, system is secondary, although certainly enabling.
Back in the late 60's or so, I remember reading in the local paper about a study to understand why loud music was so popular (inspired by Grand Funk Railroad, as I recall). If I remember correctly, the researchers attributed an emotional impact to resonant frequencies within the spinal cord/column that were excited at high SPL's. The spinal "resonant frequency" was different among individuals, but present among most. I dont know if the hypothesis was ever proven.
I really subscribe to the phenomenon. There are certain passages in music, both vocal and instrumental, that when played loudly will elicit an emotional and physical response for me. Tears of sadness. Tears of joy. And, it is repeatable. It has been so long since I have played an instrument I cant tell you what note, or range of notes it is. But I know it when I hear it.
System comes into this in this respect. It has to play loud enough, without distortion or distraction, to allow the moment to happen.
Two more things... I can tell you which passages, but they would probably belong in the thread above titled secret guilty pleasures
and
a Manhattan or 2, or bottle of Cabernet is also a great enabler.
Jim S.
