Spirituality and Music Part I -The adventures of ‘nerd girl’ and ‘rocker boy’
Walking through hundreds of museums one can see the evidence of music and musical instruments from the earliest humans. Whether they were emulating birds and the sounds of nature around them-rustling in the trees, thunder, or something deeper, music has always been a sacred expression of something profound within us and surrounding us on a very fundamental level. Even our hearts have a beat as our vocal chords make vibration. It is said the universe has a sound as do the ringing rocks. The world’s scriptures write of praise, longing, celebration, war-making music, peace-making music, love music, children’s songs, women’s music, men’s music and much, much more. Music is simply a different form of prayer- or talking to/with/about the human experience of life and- its transcendent dimensions, God.
From an eclectic background listening to everything from a carillon to a cantor, gypsy music, native American drumming, chants and flute, German chorale music, symphony, opera, Aborigine, ballet, Sufi, Tibetan, soaring holy masses, medieval chant, French, folk, Latin American, African tribal, the Black Baptist church, jazz, Sufi chants, Motown, cowboy, blues, Klezmer, Indian Kirtan, Orthodox monks, new age Celtic, and rock, music appreciation has shaped a deep connection with humanity and spirituality. One should approach music with an open mind and heart, humility, willingness to experiment and experience, and a sense of soaring delight. Music after all inspires us and connects us deeply with life. Yet for some religious traditions, music is completely off limits (either because it’s considered too holy or satanic) or is restricted to men singing psalmody or some such.
Beyond religious music for example, how often do you experience such a sense of union as when everyone is singing, ‘Let it Be’, candles lit, swaying together along with Sir Paul? Be honest, it’s probably not an everyday life thing or even found in an organized religious setting. Yet the awesome connection is there- like spirituality. You don’t need to have this mediated by authorities. And there is something so wonderful, like a comfy sweater or meeting up with an old friend to hear your favorites from a specific era or time in your own life (hearing Bill Foley sing ‘60’s and ‘70’s hits for example) - the brain makes those hierarchical connections to memories, lighting up different places as seen on brain scans. Even those 1-800 ‘call now to order this set of Motown CDs’- (and pay for the next 3 years)- is wonderful to listen to. And why else did Stephen Spielberg choose to have the connection with extra-terrestrials be musical notes in the movie Close Encounters- such a simple tune. Da, da, da, duh, da. Oh yes, that was tres cool for nerd girl.
This past many years has given us the opportunity to hear everyone from jazz greats to Elton John & Billy Joel, to The Police to Sir Mick & the Stones to The Dixie Chicks to The Three Tenors-with awesome seats. Columbus has some great musical venues. However! nerd girl nearly died of embarrassment which morphed into relief at that concert. Following solos by Luciano Pavarotti and Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo had barely finished a stirring rendition of a romantic opera piece in his rich baritone voice at the Schott when rocker boy jumped up to his feet 'atta boy' fist in the air and shouted, ‘Yeah! Wooo hooo, right on!’ like one might upon hearing the Charlie Daniels band. Stunned older gentlemen in tuxes and women in black sparkly outfits and matching dangly earrings turned to stare. In very short order however, ladies all around rocker boy were jumping up and down in heels, shouting and applauding, their pearls bouncing, faces flushed as the men rose to their feet to clap vigorously. Placido grinned broadly and gave rocker boy the thumbs up. He had made a connection. (This was among Pavarotti’s last concerts.)
‘In the arms of an angel’ by Sarah McLaughlin could bring tears to the eyes, just as a rendition of Sanctus by Gounod transports one to a higher place and vibrations of the Tibetan bowls and their ringing tones on the Nada Himalaya CD sends pets into a trance state. Hearing Avinu Malkeynu or Andreas Vollenweider does different things to one’s spiritual and physiological state of being. Get out of your box regularly. What music is spiritually memorable to you? What moves you most? Seeing someone’s book shelf or reading list, music downloads & CDs, viewing one’s artwork and décor is a window on the soul. Very revealing. Music is simply a vital, organic, primal and very meaningful gateway to spirituality.
Locally, attend the IACO interfaith The Sounds of Praise and Prayer music event August 16th . from 12:30pm-3pm. Hear spiritual expressions from Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jain, Jewish and Sikh faith traditions.For more information, see www.iaco.org.
Meditation for this Post:
‘Prayer is the world in tune, a spirit voice, and vocal joys whose echo is heaven’s bliss.’
Henry Vaughan
copyright, 2009, Patricia A. Rodemann
Comments
great article. Music is so meaningful. Listen to random music for messages from Spirit. Namaste.
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