Music must have been inspired from the spontaneous sounds of nature around us – the rustling of leaves, the whispering of pines, the rippling of rivers, the gurgling of waterfalls…the cooing of pigeons, the roaring of lions…
The sounds and rhythms that emanate from earth and sky, from mountains and rivers, from forests and seas must have stimulated the flow of musical notes.
First musical instrument is said to be the human voice – which can make a number of sounds like humming, whistling, clicking and singing.
“Music is the literature of the heart; it commences where speech ends.” –Alphonse de Lamartine.
I have always felt the truth of these words. Music has been my most natural refuge, my beloved book of literature; I could feel its emotive effect even as a child. I could speak to it, I could drown my sorrows in its ever-flowing strains and absorb all the wisdom from the lyrics.
It has always assuaged my lacerations, brightened my hours, added glow to my little joys and given wings to my fantasy flights. Music speaks to us, it whispers sweet melodious sounds into our ears.
Even now, whenever I feel like dropping out of this world, I go to my favorite music. All my dreams and reflections merge into those trills floating around me and I feel at ease.
The power of music transcends beyond just entertainment:
- It elevates our mood.
- It educates and inspires.
- It enhances our creativity.
- It increases our emotional sensitivity
- It acquaints us with rhythm and harmony.
- It makes us happy.
- It relaxes and calms our mind and nerves.
- It gives solace and serenity.
- It is a natural healer.
Music therapy has been used for times immemorial and more recently for psychiatric disorders, medical problems, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, communication disorders, interpersonal problems and aging.
It is also used to improve learning, build self-esteem and reduce stress. Even plants respond to good music and grow better.
Whether it is traditional music or modern, all age groups have felt its power since the beginning of human existence.
Which music is good music?
Though it depends on your own choice and mood but good music, to my mind, leaves an eternal effect, it becomes ‘a bliss of solitude’…we wish to return to it again and again, to experience that calming effect.
Music that is rattling and foot tapping gives momentary joy, which wears off just like the modern intoxicants.
If you meet it just for entertainment, it’s thrilling.
If you approach it for aesthetic pleasure, it’s ecstatic.
If you seek spiritual solace from it, it’s blissful.
Which kind of music do you like? I would love to hear your views.
(Pulled out from my archives)
© Balroop Singh
Thank you.
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Have you checked my latest release? – Slivers: Chiseled Poetry
Emotional Shadows 