Submitted by jsdubois015 on Mon, 04/26/2010 - 16:34
Throughout its history, music has always been regarded as the most subtle of the arts, the one closest to the heart of man. The Romantic philosophers regarded music as the most noble of the arts, a gift from heaven itself, and the language of the angels. Music has the power to make clear what we cannot comprehend in any other way. It searches the deepest recesses of what makes us human. It gives expression to feelings when there is no other adequate way. It calms us. It inspires. It can lift us up when we're down. It can give us the motivation needed to press on. Most importantly, music is profoundly personal to the point of becoming a part of our very being. It can help us to remember. It can store the memories we don't want to forget but are too afraid to face. Music can serve as the greatest memorial to a lost loved one, to a lost friend. This is the power that music possesses and it is something that I am eternally thankful for.
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Here's something to think about: Why does the music that YOU love often leave another person cold? While I agree with much of what you say I also think you have left out the most important point: Music expresses and communicates identity of soul. It is NOT profoundly personal but rather a community of soul. I think I love Wagner's music just as much as he did himself. Indeed, sometimes I even think I could have COMPOSED this music if only historical accidents had let me. More, sometimes I even have the strange conviction that I AM the composer!! How is that possible? Why do many people believe in reincarnation? On the other hand, neither you nor I care much for arabic or chinese music, do we?
In Memoriam
Submitted by jsdubois015 on Mon, 04/26/2010 - 16:34
Throughout its history, music has always been regarded as the most subtle of the arts, the one closest to the heart of man. The Romantic philosophers regarded music as the most noble of the arts, a gift from heaven itself, and the language of the angels. Music has the power to make clear what we cannot comprehend in any other way. It searches the deepest recesses of what makes us human. It gives expression to feelings when there is no other adequate way. It calms us. It inspires. It can lift us up when we're down. It can give us the motivation needed to press on. Most importantly, music is profoundly personal to the point of becoming a part of our very being. It can help us to remember. It can store the memories we don't want to forget but are too afraid to face. Music can serve as the greatest memorial to a lost loved one, to a lost friend. This is the power that music possesses and it is something that I am eternally thankful for.
Very insightful post. I fully agree with you :)
Here's something to think about: Why does the music that YOU love often leave another person cold? While I agree with much of what you say I also think you have left out the most important point: Music expresses and communicates identity of soul. It is NOT profoundly personal but rather a community of soul. I think I love Wagner's music just as much as he did himself. Indeed, sometimes I even think I could have COMPOSED this music if only historical accidents had let me. More, sometimes I even have the strange conviction that I AM the composer!! How is that possible? Why do many people believe in reincarnation? On the other hand, neither you nor I care much for arabic or chinese music, do we?
But I do. Music is lovely. Anyone can relate to it in their own way.