As we navigate the gloom and doom (or is it just me?) around the world these days, it is refreshing to come across a video I chanced upon online featuring Alec Baldwin (yes, the Alec Baldwin of the controversial accidental fatal shooting of a cinematographer on set. Take note: criminal charges have been dropped or dismissed since then) and how music has been a constant healer in his life. I can just imagine how the power of music pulled him through the agony of going through the heartbreaking tragic incident and the trial that ensued.
There is a part in the interview/feature where he said that as a young adult in high school, he had had enough of pop music lyrics like “I love you, I love you” and “do you love me” blah, blah, blah. Oh, wow, it was so refreshing to listen to someone voice out what I have been thinking for some time now. For me, it felt like he was thinking that there must be something more to music than this. In the midst of this mini- angst, he chanced upon the 9th Symphony of Gustav Mahler on the car radio. That changed his life, so to speak. He would track down, analog era style, the classical pieces he would hear on radio. Call the programming person of the radio show to find out the titles and other details. Then hie himself off to the record shop and look for the records. He was hooked. Period.
He had no background in nor exposure to classical music. He grew up in a very middle class family in Long Island. Appreciation of classical music was not in the curriculum. Nor in the radar anywhere near.
I can absolutely relate to this. Music does have a way of hitting one in the gut-level. No need to explain. It is not a conscious mind process. You don’t read a book about music. I mean, you can, if you want. Music is for listening with your heart. It reaches one through the subconscious level. And yet, music is supposed to be very mathematical. Doesn’t that sound ironic? Or conflicting?
I am not a musician nor a mathematician so I cannot answer that authoritatively. What I am sure of though is that both are scientific. And yet in the very science lies the beauty and the universality of music.
I can go on and on about this wonderful series but I think it would be worth it to check this series out yourself : Music & Healing Series hosted by Princeton University Concerts. It delves into how music has played a transformative and healing part in the life of the featured artist/speaker as they navigate challenges in his or her life. I find it beautiful and heartwarming in a sober, calming way.
I am sure that there are some music lovers out there who will find that their stories will resonate with them somehow.
Speaking of hum-drum lyrics as Alec Baldwin had pointed out, I cannot but mention the name of Fujii Kaze, the young, phenomenal Japanese singer and songwriter who has captured the hearts and minds of millions around the globe (myself being one of them). Aside from his captivating and moving melodies, Kaze-san’s lyrics are so refreshingly different. None of this “I love you. Do you love me” stuff. They are very spiritual. He has lyrics like “ I greet the god in you”, “Don’t you know that you are god yourself”, “you are the infinite sun and the moon”, “all you need is in your soul”. Ad infinitum. Almost.
So, Mr. Alec Baldwin, harken, things are changing. Salamat naman!
MIND BLOWING THAT IT IS OUT THERE
What is? I just caught something online. Max Planck, the famous father of quantum theory said “I regard matter as derivative from consciousness”. It gives rise to a lot of questions. To some, though, this is not new. But to have the topics of consciousness coming up to the surface, in profusion at that, makes me grateful to be alive in this era. He brought up the idea that the universe is not built from matter but from mind itself. Think about that! And think about that some more! Then think about all the turbulence happening in the world now! But better still, think about all the beautiful and good things in your life.
SPEAKING OF THE GOOD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Happy Thanksgiving Day to all as you share your bounty with family, friends, and strangers-soon-to-be- friends in the spirit of camaraderie and caring for each other.
Tessie Ochangco Taylor
