How is it that the Hebrew/Arabic concert was over an hour and a half and to me it just felt like less than twenty minutes? I had such an AWESOME time listening to that group. There were times (more often than not, in fact) where both of my feet and fingers on both of my hands were beating differing rhythms while my head was bobbing to something else. It was all I could do to actually remain in my seat as I was practically dancing as it was.
One of the things that moved me most, however in that concert was the power of music. Did you SEE that violinist when he was into his music? His head, shoulders, feet, legs and face were all playing and hitting every note along with his fingers. The artists were so passionate as you must be to portray that kind of music. But beyond the physical hold that kind of music has upon a person, music was the unification of that room.
On the stage were Jewish Hebrews and Arabic Muslims and I was listening in the audience as an American Protestant Christian sitting next to an American Catholic and we were all present due to our love of music and we were all at peace with one another because we are in America. Sitting there listening to music, my favorite thing in the world, without threat of my life for acknowledging and appreciating another culture's music is a blessing I have had all of my life. On the other side of the world people of all of those religions are killing each other and hating each other and the fact that we not only tolerate, but celebrate the music of other cultures humbled me in an extraordinary way.
I came out of that concert on such a natural high because of the nature of the music (the rhythms, the drive, the instruments, the intensity...) but also feeling like the most blessed person in the world because I have lived in such a free country all my life. I remember in sixth grade watching a news program that was reporting on a regime in place somewhere else in the world and music of any kind (owning or playing) was against the law and the thought made me sick. I have never had such a choice put before me: music or jail.
Even now, two and a half hours after the concert has ended, I am still just on this natural high of feeling so grateful for the liberty and security I have entertained my whole life, tonight included. We go to W&L and have our fair share of stressors, but guys, there are people on the other side of the world who would try to kill us for the amazing musical event which took place tonight. I think it is time for a little perspective and just genuine appreciation for all the blessings which become overlooked in the bustle of W&L life.
Posted by sandenb at March 2, 2005 12:12 AMAs that American Catholic sitting next to you, I can definitely identify with a lot of what you're saying. It's strange though - how yes, in this world of such varied experience and culture, that we can be united in music. Like a language in itself, we can find similar tunes across the world - lullabies, hymns, popular tunes. Yes, maybe in different languages, but all saying and feeling the same thing! Then - you have this amazing thing of improvisation, where each one is so preciously unique! Music truly does have a uniting power that calls us all together in a universal community without border and division. So, we can walk away from that hour concert and say WOW. knowing that we are feeling, maybe not the same thing - but a chord has been struck, on the instrument and our souls.