The Power of Music

I seem to be in a 'Sir Thomas Beecham' mode at the moment. (See yesterdays blog)
I found another quote from him that really struck a chord - no pun intended.
This is it:

"The function of music is to release us from the tyranny of conscious thought. Music first and last should sound well, should allure and enchant the ear.
Never mind the inner significance."
Sir Thomas Beecham

This can of course apply to any style of music. As long as the listener is enjoying it then music has fulfilled its objective.
Music is a form of expression whether that be political, religious, emotional, stirring or angst ridden, some message is being passed on.
You can listen to music on many different levels. To study and learn, to relax and unwind, to enter the mood of an occasion etc.
Whatever the reason, music, should be enjoyed.

Throughout the day we are surrounded by music as Robin practices new and old pieces. But when he's not playing, he has a need to listen to it. Our house is very rarely quiet.
Robin has very eclectic tastes, which, is an essential part of understanding music in general. The ability to understand and apply techniques used in many genres of music is a valuable one.

So, what did we listen to yesterday. Well, during the day, at one point, it was, 'Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste', by Bela Bartok. (Leonard Bernstein: New York Philharmonic). Which also happens to feature in one of our favourite films, 'The Shining'.

We were both particularly busy yesterday, so it was quite late in the evening before we met up again, and then we watched/listened to the 'Arctic Monkeys' on the highlights of 'Glastonbury Festival'.

These are very different styles of music, but, both fulfilled a need of the moment, and were both extremely well delivered performances by the artists, albeit, very different.

What that all says about our state of mind yesterday, well, I'm not really sure.

Robin's son, 'Caruso' and Sir Thomas Beecham

Wow.
What can I say, other than there has been huge global interest in the, 'Robin Hill with Russell Watson' video, both here, and over on YouTube.

When this performance was first shown back in 2001, son number one, was only 3 years old. As you can imagine, we all settled down to watch, only to have the entire performance drowned out, by an over-excited child becoming hysterical...he was very embarrassed when I reminded him of this yesterday!

However, judging by the responses I've been getting, you all seem to be enjoying it. I certainly haven't been able to get it out of my mind since posting the video yesterday.
But, as the English conductor, Thomas Beecham, once said:

"Good music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and quits the memory with difficulty."

Thomas Beecham was another local chap, coming from St.Helens, Lancashire. So with Russell Watson from Salford and Robin from Huddersfield, the north of England is certainly doing its bit to promote music.

For any newcomers to the site, of which there are many from around the world, you may like to check out David Juritz's, 'Round the World and Bach', as he could be visiting a country near you soon.
He's in Lisbon today and returns briefly to the UK for a concert in Portsmouth Cathedral on Saturday, before setting off for Africa shortly.
Judging by the photographs on his site, he is still smiling, but, I'm sure by now he is beginning to feel a little tired, so if he's playing near you, go along and show some support.

Back here, well, we have plenty more for you to see coming up, so do keep checking in.