We are a spectacular, splendid manifestation of life. We have language. We have affection. We have genes for usefulness, and usefulness is about as close to a "common goal" of nature as I can guess at. And finally, and perhaps best of all, we have music. LEWIS THOMAS, M.D.
-------------------------------
William Congreve observed in 1697, "Music has charms to soothe a savage breast, To soften rocks, or to bend a knotted oak."
--------------------------------
Recorded in 1947 this is the celebrated version of the
Beethoven Third Piano Concerto by Claudio Arrau. Performing with the Philadelphia
Orchestra
---------------------------------------------
Of course, music does more than just soothe; it can stimulate or enhance almost any activity, emotion, or mood--from crying, to dancing, to mystical visions. Music--carefully selected--is a way to elicit suppressed feelings in need of expression and catharsis.
The idea is not just to have background music, but to spend time with it; focus on it; relax into it. "Music heard so deeply," wrote T.S. Eliot, "That it is not heard at all, but you are the music / While the music lasts."
Thanks to today's technology, the music can last and last.