‘Where words fail, music speaks’
It’s hardly a unique or original declaration to proclaim that one loves music. Almost everyone loves music, don’t they? Some love it more than others, sure, but we have all been impacted by a melody or a beat or a set of lyrics at one time or another. Count me in.
Probably that’s why so much has been written about music and its ability to affect the human mind and heart. I’m also something of a quote fanatic, and there are some doozies about music. There’s, of course, “Where words fail, music speaks,” from Hans Christian Anderson. A few of my other favorites:
– “If music be the food of love, play on.” William Shakespeare
– “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” Victor Hugo
– “The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers.” Roy Ayers
– “Music is the universal language of mankind.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
– “After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” Aldous Huxley
I love these quotes because they all present music as this almost magical medium for expression and communication. It’s a truth people have understood and embraced for centuries.
I have music playing nearly constantly in the background of my workday. Whether it’s Pandora, YouTube or my trusty iPod Nano, something is always on hand to provide the soundtrack for my 9 to 5.
But as much as I love studio-recorded tracks, particularly how accessible music is in this form, I wanted to take a second to remind us of the pure enjoyment to be found in hearing live music performed.
That has to be one of my favorite things about summer.
Over the next three months, we will have more opportunities to hear great local live music than at any other time of the year. The musical entertainment line-up is a key focus of all of our local festivals, and it’s easily what I look forward to the most. From the Hoedown this month to the Watermelon Festival in August, and every festival in between, the question of who is taking the mainstage when is almost always top of mind. These festivals provide the perfect chance to hear and support favorite local groups as well as be exposed to bands and singers you’ve never heard before. Up and coming – as well as more established – artist gain an outlet to express themselves and share their message. And we get a chance to hear what they have to say.
Whether it makes us cheer and dance or brings us to tears, music has an emotional impact we can’t ignore. I invite you to embrace that this summer.
