How interesting it is to think of how visceral and intrinsic to the human spirit music is, so that it has been used throughout the centuries, not just for relaxation or pure joy, but also to rouse the killer in us.
Perhaps the very beating of our own hearts gives us an internal rhythm we cannot eschew, and how ironic that it can bring out the worst and the best in us.
Thanks Manuela for your thoughtful comment. Music certainly penetrates to the deepest places in us. Although for the purposes of this piece I focussed on the aggression it can bring out, you are so right to point out that our responses cover the entire emotional spectrum.
Yes we can definitely find solace in music. Throughout the centuries, music like any other form of art has been used by those in power to promote their ideology in any situation, be it at times of war, elections, or any political, economical or social impasses. The problem is their propaganda and not the art of artist itself. It’s not always easy to move against a popular trend but we can still choose to find solace in a music or art that soothes our souls.
didn’t throw at the flautists where I sat with the girls. But the trumpeters , the real men like you ,were in the direct line of fire .Your father , IF he read Kipling was right! “and you’ll be a man my son”
I remember reading a biography of Lenin many years ago. It described how, as a young man, Lenin played the piano and loved playing Beethoven. As he developed his ruthless theories though, he decided to give up playing because it caused him to feel too much empathy!
We used to listen to 1812 just for the cannons. Once I bought a recording that promised actual cannons instead of drums. And then there were the many fight songs of high schools and colleges. Who doesn't know the U. of Notre Dame fight song, I'll paste the lyrics, and I bet you'll remember the tune:
Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame,
Wake up the echoes cheering her name,
Send a volley cheer on high,
Shake down the thunder from the sky.
What though the odds be great or small
Old Notre Dame will win over all,
While her loyal sons and daughters
March on to victory.
and then there's the Te Deum of Catholicism celebrating blood-letting throughout Europe and the colonies.
Another interesting, well written essay, Peter. I was unaware of your militant period in those early years. You still managed to turn out alright.
Thanks Hugh for your kind words, although I'm not so sure about how I turned out!
How interesting it is to think of how visceral and intrinsic to the human spirit music is, so that it has been used throughout the centuries, not just for relaxation or pure joy, but also to rouse the killer in us.
Perhaps the very beating of our own hearts gives us an internal rhythm we cannot eschew, and how ironic that it can bring out the worst and the best in us.
Thanks for that awareness.
Thanks Manuela for your thoughtful comment. Music certainly penetrates to the deepest places in us. Although for the purposes of this piece I focussed on the aggression it can bring out, you are so right to point out that our responses cover the entire emotional spectrum.
Strong, meaningful piece, peter!
Yes we can definitely find solace in music. Throughout the centuries, music like any other form of art has been used by those in power to promote their ideology in any situation, be it at times of war, elections, or any political, economical or social impasses. The problem is their propaganda and not the art of artist itself. It’s not always easy to move against a popular trend but we can still choose to find solace in a music or art that soothes our souls.
Tour de force, Peter!
21 gun Salute!
Lucky for me Mr Rutherford
didn’t throw at the flautists where I sat with the girls. But the trumpeters , the real men like you ,were in the direct line of fire .Your father , IF he read Kipling was right! “and you’ll be a man my son”
very thought provoking, excellent
Very thought provoking, Peter.
I remember reading a biography of Lenin many years ago. It described how, as a young man, Lenin played the piano and loved playing Beethoven. As he developed his ruthless theories though, he decided to give up playing because it caused him to feel too much empathy!
Thanks Kristine for your interesting comment. I didn't know that story about Lenin.
Although for the purposes of this piece I focused on the aggression that music can bring out, the tenderness and empathy are no less powerful!
We used to listen to 1812 just for the cannons. Once I bought a recording that promised actual cannons instead of drums. And then there were the many fight songs of high schools and colleges. Who doesn't know the U. of Notre Dame fight song, I'll paste the lyrics, and I bet you'll remember the tune:
Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame,
Wake up the echoes cheering her name,
Send a volley cheer on high,
Shake down the thunder from the sky.
What though the odds be great or small
Old Notre Dame will win over all,
While her loyal sons and daughters
March on to victory.
and then there's the Te Deum of Catholicism celebrating blood-letting throughout Europe and the colonies.
Yup, music hath charms...
Just for the cannons, that makes sense. Those were the high-testosterone days!
Like watching the children in GTO march along to the very militaristic sounding national anthem...really interesting and illuminating piece, Peter.
Thanks for your comment, Sido. I've developed a particular fondness for those exceptional national anthems that are tender, not militaristic!
Music can inspire so many emotions. Fortunately, some of them are aimed at our better instincts!
Thanks for your comment, I couldn't agree more. The tenderness and empathy that music can induce is certainly no less powerful than the aggression!
Oh, I do so enjoy these…..they sound just like you…..xo
Thanks for this, Peter, love how you weaved in your early teen memories. I'll listen to these rabble-rousings with new ears.
Peter:
As a reminder of Mr.Rutherford and throwing batons, I recommend that you watch the first 15 minutes or so of the movie “Whiplash”.