It is a testament to the human will to hope that even in the least hopeful of times gifted people find the heart to produce beautiful music. Some may even say that is the very reason the music is made; to make lightness out of darkness. I know that I am always grateful for it. Though it may just be my youthful readings of fantasy have forever shaped all I see, music is one of the few things that constantly evoke in me the feelings I experienced reading my favorite tales and learning of past cultures' mythology. Perhaps this is because music has been with us as long as history can remember. We can never know for sure.
Recently I read the short story Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin. In it contains one of the most powerful descriptions of music I have ever read. Actually, allow me to correct myself, it is the most powerful description of music I have ever read. To put it quite simply Baldwin was able to describe why music matters in a short, imaginative and inspiring passage. If you ever needed to explain to someone why the music you love is important to you, just repeat to them the words found in the story and they should understand.
Baldwin's writing also serves as the perfect guide on how to critique music. You only have to go through his description of how the music made Sonny's brother feel and compare it to the music you are listening to. You will find your favorite music arouses the same pleasure and symphony as that felt by the narrator. Of course you could also go into further detail by examining the nuances and aspects of the music that are particularly responsible for inspiration. With this guide no music is unreachable to your understanding.
This example of the relationship between literature and music is indicative of the greater need to study things as they connect to the rest of the world, not only in a comforting vacuum by themselves. All things have an impact beyond their original field and intent and we would all be better off if such an outlook was incorporated into our educational and vocational training. Unfortunately, we are far too quick to declare one way of looking at the world as the best and only way to truly fulfill our potential. You do not have to know how to develop a nuclear reactor to be able to understand its use, purpose and effects on the world, just as you would not have to be able to write a novel to appreciate its worth.
Go here to read the short story Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin.
Recently I read the short story Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin. In it contains one of the most powerful descriptions of music I have ever read. Actually, allow me to correct myself, it is the most powerful description of music I have ever read. To put it quite simply Baldwin was able to describe why music matters in a short, imaginative and inspiring passage. If you ever needed to explain to someone why the music you love is important to you, just repeat to them the words found in the story and they should understand.
Baldwin's writing also serves as the perfect guide on how to critique music. You only have to go through his description of how the music made Sonny's brother feel and compare it to the music you are listening to. You will find your favorite music arouses the same pleasure and symphony as that felt by the narrator. Of course you could also go into further detail by examining the nuances and aspects of the music that are particularly responsible for inspiration. With this guide no music is unreachable to your understanding.
This example of the relationship between literature and music is indicative of the greater need to study things as they connect to the rest of the world, not only in a comforting vacuum by themselves. All things have an impact beyond their original field and intent and we would all be better off if such an outlook was incorporated into our educational and vocational training. Unfortunately, we are far too quick to declare one way of looking at the world as the best and only way to truly fulfill our potential. You do not have to know how to develop a nuclear reactor to be able to understand its use, purpose and effects on the world, just as you would not have to be able to write a novel to appreciate its worth.
Go here to read the short story Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin.