My Musical Culture
Since coming to college, I have found myself coming back and listening to Band performances. I usually go back to pieces I played in high school, I like to rethink about my old friends. I had a truly great musical experience throughout middle school and high school with band. I love to be reminded of all the fun times I had on the band bus to competitions or just regular school days in the band room.
I love hearing music I worked on and bringing back the memories of sitting in a little band room with my all time favorite band teacher conducting us. Your parents are correct when they say you will never forget those days. It makes me quiet saddened to hear the music and be reminded of people I no longer have connections with. I’m thankful that music can help me remember those precious memories.
Though during the pandemic, I have found myself going to chorale music for comfort. Specifically a piece called “The Lake Isle” by Ola Gjeilo. I keep wanting to listen to this piece because of how the simplicity of it is so beautiful. I believe this piece is very creative in itself.
The beginning is a beautiful guitar opening (I usually never prefer guitar) and then it’s accompanied by piano, choir, and violin. I love the sudden break that is interrupted by a lovely violin solo. I can’t help but to feel peaceful when I hear this piece.
This piece has helped me to feel at ease and calm even when our world around us seems that it is falling apart. The simple beautiful melodies remind me that our simple lives are absolutely beautiful. I’m always joyful and smiling after I have listened to this piece.
Here is a link to “The Lake Isle” by Ola Gjeilo. Preformed by the Bel Canto Choir Vilnius. https://youtu.be/7g_dIiG9Tyo
In opposition, I do not connect to the genre of Country music. I believe I do not connect with it because it is very word heavy. I always find myself more moved of music itself rather than words. I am moved by beautiful music with beautiful words as well, but I never have found a country piece that has done this for me.
I have known many many people that love this genre and they can’t stand the music I listen too. People love the empowerment that country music gives them. From hearing others perspective, it gives them a feeling of power. That’s the beautiful thing about music. There is something for everyone. We all can love music even though we maybe have different taste. Music is the most varied thing, yet the most unifying thing I have ever experienced.
-KG
I totally get what you mean about going back and listening to old performances! The memories never seem to fade. What was your favorite marching band show you did? My sophomore year we did a 20s themed show that was all kinds of jazz music, fast and slow, I LOVED it!! I think it's great that you made those memories and can always look back on them, plus you can use them to help you in the future! Thanks for sharing :-)
ReplyDeleteAwesome. What would be the perfect lyrical composition in your eyes to compliment a beautiful melody? Do you think the intent of music is more powerful with or without words? Do you think that music itself can be as nuanced when it comes to details as storytelling?
ReplyDeleteYour post was super sweet. Your middle school and high school performances are always so memorable. They really build you as a performer. And when your a teacher you'll be able to go over them with your students I love it!
ReplyDelete"The Lake Isle" is so beautiful! It's really calming and relaxing. I definitely agree that it helps you get away from all the negativity of the world and lets you take a step back and remember the beauty of life. Music is so powerful, like you said it can bring back so many wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteMusic has this unique ability to bring back so many memories. I understood exactly what you were talking about when you described listening to pieces that you played back in high school and reliving the memories that went along with them. I have so many of those, and it seems like several others have had a similar experience.
ReplyDeleteI love how we both went for nostalgic highschool pieces as our first option. I am all for remembering memories through music! Your example piece was very pretty indeed, and I think that the guitar and violin definitely brings an atmosphere of peace and comfort.
ReplyDeleteI don't have much of a connection with country music either, but I feel like we have different views on that. I prefer to have music with meaningful lyrics, and I feel like that is sometimes the best part of country music. It's interesting to have the same opinion as someone but for two opposite reasons!