Yesterday I took my family to the Strathmore Music Center for a performance of Russian concert music by the National Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. This concert represented for me an opportunity to share pure musical art with my family, particularly my children, as well as the opportunity to enjoy it myself. ;) Classical music sounds good on radio or CD, but when heard live, it is pure beauty.
Though I still have an appreciation of rock n roll music, having previously been both an avid collector of records (LPs) and CDs, at this point in my life I now recognize classical music as a higher art form. The word "pure" might be a bit of an over-characterization, but classical music is definitely less tainted than rock and other contemporary forms. Consider the origins of rock, and the fact that Christianized rock wasn't even considered until much later in the evolution of that music style. I think not coincidentally, when I finally strove to make Jesus my Lord with all my heart, my interest in rock declined to the point that I sold all my records (don't miss them either) and rarely if ever listen to the boatload of CDs still residing in my basement. It seems to me now that authentic love for God breeds an intense appreciation for pure beauty.
As I listened to the second movement (Andantino in modo di canzona) of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 in F minor yesterday, tears streamed down my face, at several points during the piece. Inwardly I praised God as I listened, believing that I was recognizing pure beauty, existing purely for the sake of beauty, and thereforebeauty's Creator. As one who observes and admires the simple beauty of a flower, created to please the eye as well as to glorify its Creator, I listened. My mind was drawn to the Creator of these magnificent tones, and I gave thanks for the indescribable and admirable feelings they created in me when arranged just so.
These are stressful days, and it could be that my appreciation of simple beauty is heightened in contrast to recent struggles. Whatever the reason though, I'm thankful for the solace that beauty provided yesterday, and especially glad that I could share it with the people I love most in the world.
(I've added video of one of the memorable moments of the concert, the 2nd movement of Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony. Enjoy!)
Brother Mike, I too, enjoy classical music...It *is* beautiful indeed. In a way it reminds me of the Body of Christ....different sounds....and instruments....and so many members....With Jesus Himself, being the Master Conductor...and when we all join together, on one accord....My Lord....What a harmonious sound (smile)...Thanks for sharing...Still praying for you, and yours ;o)
This ole black southern girl loves classical music too. It wasn't until I reached a certain age that I could appreciate the clarity and unrestrained beauty of such music. It lifts you to certain heights and hits chords with-in your soul where you can truly appreciate His awesomeness and creation of things beautiful..
Glad you enjoyed it brother. Hope the kids did too....
Thanks Marjay. :) That analogy occurred to me too. Many instruments, one beautiful sound. Wrong notes not heard either, enveloped by the orchestra (body) as a whole.
Me too Mary. In our house Laura and I have really emphasized music for its beauty, moreso than its entertainment value. Thanks for your prayers, they are deeply appreciated sister.
Very awesome post Mike, I understand what your saying, it's not that I don't like rock and roll, it's just; I don't want to waste any more time on it... I need to hear Gods words and to be lifted up by His promises... so that I can in turn do the same for someone else for His kingdom... I love listening to God's beauty whether it is in music or the birds, or tree frogs... and I enjoy looking, at His beauty of His creation, whether looking at the sky clouded or starry... from looking across Lake Michigan, or a blooming Tree, to a newborn fingers and toes... How blessed we are, the Gifts the Father gives us everyday... He truly is a awesome Father, and I am so glad He chose me, to be a part of His life, as my Creator... My ABBA, my Father....
I like this! :) When my kids were smaller, I'd play classical music for them -- and make up a story line to go along with the sounds. Something light and cheery might be all the little forest critters coming out to play in the sunshine, then when the music got intense and sort of dark-sounding, I'd tell them about the fox sneaking along the edge of the forest - trying to catch a bunny. It was a fun way to get them to pay attention to all the different sounds and moods and layers of music.
Some years later I overheard one of my kids telling a friend about an experience they had in the Presence of God and they compared it to that feeling you get when you hear a glorious piece of music and your heart gets so full of all that beauty you feel like it will burst, and all you can do is to weep and praise God for it. When I heard that I realized that they'd experienced being spoken to by the music. What an awesome gift from God! :)
Ahhhhhhhhh Mike, with my piano background, classical music is part of me. Ken grins when I listen to it, even though he doesn't like it, because he says he can see that I can feel each note, each run.
Cindy, I love watching the expressions on the better musicians, as they "feel" what they're playing. I get ya!
GrammyB, oh that is so precious what you did w/your kids to the music. What a precious gift they rec'd from you!
I love hearing about your desire to bless others Marilyn, after being blessed yourself by God's beauty. I'm sure that blesses God's heart too. In a way that's his beauty also, b/c real beauty always blesses others who come into contact with it. :)
This says it all.....These are stressful days, and it could be that my appreciation of simple beauty is heightened in contrast to recent struggles. Whatever the reason though, I'm thankful for the solace that beauty provided yesterday, and especially glad that I could share it with the people I love most in the world. Any escape from our struggles if even for a moment is like an "untainted moment" from what's going on around us. While we are still concerned the "get away" speaks volume to our inner piece that Tina wrote about this morning and takes us to enjoy "PURE BEAUTY". I looked for that beauty yesterday after I had dinner with my Mom but couldn't find it. Tomorrow I will take lunch to Centennial Park, find a spot on the edge of the Lake and enjoy God's Art of Nature, a Pure Beauty. I'm so glad the family had that moment....Love To You, Laura & The Kids
Cindy is wrong, I think classical music is beautiful, I just have to be in the mood for it to listen to it. It is truly impressive to hear musician for that caliber perform!
This was very sweet Mike. I always thought that men who could openly show emotion were so much closer to the heart of God than those that seem to think that showing it is a sign of weakness. Even Jesus wept. Right? Great story and great encouragement. Thank you!
Ahhhhhhhh, see I learn something about Ken today!!!! He does like it.....now I can ask him if he's in the mood for it and we both can enjoy it, hehehehehehe! Mike, wow, God used your blog to bless me twice!!!! Yayayayayyy
What an excellent blog!! I appreciate the classical music differently at my age (big old 44) than when I was young. I studied piano pretty seriously from age 10 to age 18. All classical. It is extraordinary and beautiful. Even works about sad things so reflected their topic in a unique way that's it's beautiful; for ex, Chopin's Funeral March.
Opera definately has that effect on people. I'll be attending a vocal concert of the State College choral society next Sunday that one of my friends will be in. They will be performing Hyden's "Creation", a musical rendering of God's creation of earth, animals and humans. Thankfully, they'll be singing in English, not the original German.
I agree that the music has beauty to it, uncomplicated by attempts to push the envelope (yeah, the origins of rock-n-roll) that characterize a lot of rock music. Some of the best rock musicians are those with classical backgrounds (ex, The Scorpions are excellent hard rock; I don't know their lyrics well). Rush has some good music, and thought-provoking lyrics.
Bonus! Music lesson below! For the next time you listen to classical. Maybe you already know this and will correct any errors I include!!
Chopin and Rachmaninoff (the "romantics") were and are my favorites (yes, I have a good hand span; that's the only way one can play Rachmaninoff, and he had huge hands, but I'm digressing). They're music was more emotional (to me), but they were more challenging (and rewarding) works to master.
The Baroque composers, such as Handel and Bach, wrote for harpsicord. It looks a lot like a piano, but requires a different touch. When the musician presses a key, the corresponding string inside is plucked; on a piano, the string in striken by a "hammer". This difference is what allows works written for piano to have sustained notes. Many pieces that were written for harpsichord can also be played on piano, but not so well the other way around.
Harpsichord pieces are often rapid with lots of staccato and scales. In the video below, you'll notice that there are not petals with the harpsichord. On a piano, the petals are designed to lengthen notes, or dampen "soften" them. Harpsichords have a "tinny" quality of sound, too.
For playing, I prefer the piano. It allows a wider expression of mood and style (in my opinion) because notes can be sustained.
Terry took the words out of my mouth.....Thanks Terry....
Mike/Laura I get what you said and yes sometimes we need to just sit back and let our minds rest if only for a moment.
God Bless,
Dear Mike, You cause me to think of Philippians where it says thing upon those things that are lovely, pure, and of good report...What we fill our minds and hearts determines what we are...A beautiful blog straight from the heart...Thanks Pastor Chuck...Hope that Kris is better today!
Oh Mike, you've now stepped over the threshold into my "Narnia" so to speak. I am doing an independent study project next semester on the way Russian composers used (or misused) Orthodox chant during this time period. Two of the people who had the strongest usage were Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. Tchaikovsky in fact had a mentoring role in Rachmaninoff's life. Both were, although imperfect men, very strong in their beliefs and allowed the songs(chant) , the sounds (bells everywhere), the smells (incense rising up to carry the prayers of the people), and the beauty of the Church to overwhelm their music. When you talk about pure beauty, they would have understood the concept, because they had a complete understanding of beauty coming from that image and likeness that was Christ within. I won't romanticise their personal failures, but they were still men who understood that flame of the Spirit causing them, no compulsing them to express the beauty of Creation. Just as a final thought, in his third symphony, Rachmaninoff used a tune from the Easter Troparion, and was so overcome by it's beauty he wrote Alleluia in the edge of the manuscript!
Jan, We just sang Hayden's Creation at Indiana State on Sunday afternoon. It is filled with God's glory and the words are overwhelming. We also have an opportunity to sing Faure's Requiem, along with many of the sacred songs we have been doing in Concert Choir at ISU, next year in the Kennedy Center for a Memorial Day celebration in 2010. I am very much hoping to be there.
Dennis, did I realize you were formally educated in music? Awesome! Excellent background info on Tchaikovsky too, I am impressed!!
Terry, it is a beautiful thing indeed when something so pure touches one's soul, especially in times of stress and difficulty. It was as if God himself was speaking soothing words...
Pastor Chuck, amazing...that exact same verse Phil 4:8 came to my mind even as I typed the blog!!
Joey, ever since I took a music appreciation class in college, I've deeply enjoyed classical. Only more recently has my rock "habit" waned....perhaps in the last 5-6 years?
Jen, thanks so much! We're of like mind! Wow, the dudes that did the Rachmaninoff skit were amazing! I watched a few others too!
Valarie, you know, I was so locked into the beauty of what I was listening to, that I was only vaguely aware of the mess I had made of my face, lol. My children have wiped my tears in church while I worshiped, so it's nothing they haven't seen before. :)
Cindy...isn't that awesome. I just love it when these blogs serve multiple purposes.
Ken, it was impressive. The first half of the program featured a violin concerto by Pietr Prokoviev, with world renowned violinist Cho-Liang Lin. He was nothing short of amazing!
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