Music, and Experiencing Life

Today's Diane Rehm guest [no, I do not plan to share this with you daily] was Daniel Barenboim, pianist and conductor, and author of the new book Music Quickens Time. I would not have deliberately turned to this book or this subject, but it reminded me of the experience of satisfaction that is one of the nicest parts of being a librarian, of introducing someone to a book and having it click for them. It appears that Barenboim is a very thoughtful man. One insight--music is special because it has only a momentary existence.There is silence, then a physical production of a sound, which only lasts until it fades away--death-life-death. The skill of the musician and the noticing of the listener come together to share, and there is only a moment until the sound is gone. It itself has no continuing life, only the response it left in the listener. And an interesting sidelight--he said that the English language happens to have/is lucky to have two words--to "hear" and to "listen", while German only has two forms of the same word, and cannot so richly explain the difference.


(html)

Secretary of State
Steve Hobbs

이미지
Image of Secretary of State Steve Hobbs

Connect with Us

Search Our Corner

About this Blog

The Washington Office of the Secretary of State’s blog provides from-the-source information about important state news and public services.

This space acts as a bridge between the public and Secretary Steve Hobbs and his staff, and we invite you to contribute often to the conversation here.

Comments Disclaimer

The comments and opinions expressed by users of this blog are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of the Secretary of State’s Office or its employees. The agency screens all comments in accordance with the Secretary of State’s blog use policy, and only those that comply with that policy will be approved and posted. Outside comments will not be edited by the agency.